With WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 serving as an important final stop before WrestleMania 42, we could see some major character shifts on the night.
From anticipated turns to others that could come from out of nowhere, there are some intriguing possibilities regarding who might turn heel in Chicago on February 28.
Here are seven heel turns that could happen at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026.
7. Sami Zayn
After getting into a heated confrontation backstage with Cody Rhodes at WWE SmackDown, it could be that a major character shift is on the way for Sami Zayn.
Even better than a potential triple-threat match between Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes would be if WWE also threw Sami Zayn into the mix.
Bringing together a whole spectrum of stars together — from the pure babyface Rhodes, beloved underdog Sami Zayn, fan favorite rebel Jacob Fatu, to Drew McIntyre’s sarcastic and menacing heel persona — there is a lot of room for creative storytelling.
There were audible boos heard in Sunrise, Florida when Zayn doubled back on his confrontation with Cody on SmackDown and apologised. This is a signifier that many fans want to see the Canadian star have more of an edge and Elimination Chamber could be the stage where he gains it.
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6. Randy Orton
One heel turn at Elimination Chamber that fans have been fascinated by the prospect is Randy Orton.
Although his latest character iteration has been squarely babyface, he hasn’t lost his edge — although it could be time for him to pull out more of the vintage Randy Orton ruthlessness.
With Aleister Black seemingly hoping to resurrect the evil 2008/2009 version of Randy Orton, it could be that there is a heel turn coming down the road but perhaps not ahead of WrestleMania 42.
While it does seem as though Orton could be set on a feud with Aleister Black after the pair had a spectacular main event on WWE SmackDown on February 20, perhaps it will end up that Orton fights Black to maintain his babyface persona.
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5. Lyra Valkyria
One star that could turn continued frustration into a character change is Lyra Valkyria.
While the former Women’s Intercontinental Champion has continued to be a persistent force in WWE, her character seems capable of flying to higher heights.
Potentially being more compelling to audiences with an increased edge – there could be a new emergence ahead for Valkyria.
Able to overcome recent adversity and demonstrating more grit, the heel turn wouldn’t have to be dramatic but rather a marker that Lyra is willing to do whatever it takes to win after receiving a lack of opportunities in recent months.
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4. Roman Reigns
While Roman Reigns continually tows the line between babyface and heel, there is certainly a cunning side of him that could be unlocked.
While Reigns’ WrestleMania 42 main event match for the World Heavyweight Championship is locked in, there will still be one more stop for Punk ahead of their match.
Since Finn Balor has successfully goaded Punk into a bout at WWE Elimination Chamber, Reigns will be invested in the outcome.
Potentially seeing a rare double turn if Roman Reigns were to wage a vicious assault on both Finn Balor and crown Punk the winner – Balor could come off looking like a babyface with Reigns as a clear heel headed into WrestleMania 42. Reigns says he “hates” CM Punk, so he may be willing to do anything it takes to ensure that it is the “Best in the World” he beats in Las Vegas.
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3. Bianca Belair
While Bianca Belair has been out of action since last year’s WrestleMania event due to injury, a major return could be on the horizon.
With Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Kiana James already set for the bout, there is a final spot left to be qualified for.
The final spot in the women’s Chamber will be decided on Raw between IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Raquel Rodriguez — although perhaps an Elimination Chamber swerve is coming.
While she’s unlikely to be cleared to wrestle for a little while longer, Belair could have an influence on who wins the spot to face Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. With past issues with Rhea Ripley still perhaps boiling from last year, “The EST” could return and cost “The Eradicator” her WrestleMania 42 main event dreams.
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2. LA Knight
With some justifiable frustration, it could be that LA Knight maintains his fan favorite status, but ramps up his attitude.
Reports have suggested that a WrestleMania 42 feud could be coming between LA Knight and Brock Lesnar — and if that’s the case then Knight would need to crank up his level of violence and aggression.
Resorting to more and more dastardly tactics on the way to battle the behemoth Brock Lesnar, the real pay-off of the turn could come later, at Backlash or even Clash in Italy.
Potentially finding it difficult to tone down his aggression after WrestleMania, Knight’s heel turn could be a slow burn built upon his obsession to win his first world title.
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1. PENTA & Rey Fenix
A heel turn that could bring some new life to the WWE World Tag Team Championship title picture could be Penta.
Linking up Lucha Brothers tag team partner and brother Rey Fenix, the pair could be formidable heel foes for The Usos.
With Jimmy and Jey Uso seemingly devoid of specific challengers at the minute, bringing The Lucha Bros together on WWE Raw could make complete sense, particularly with The New Day’s Xavier Woods out of action due to nagging shoulder injury.
Penta’s popularity makes it perhaps less likely a heel turn happens, but at the very least The Lucha Bros could show a darker side when they unite on WWE TV for the first time.
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