Most likely Heel & Face turns at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 ahead of WrestleMania 42

The second PLE of 2026 will emanate from Chicago.

The 16th edition of the Elimination Chamber PLE is set to air live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The 2026 edition of Elimination Chamber marks a major return to the U.S., becoming the first edition held stateside since 2021 and the first with a live crowd in the country since 2020. It will also end a long hiatus for WWE at the United Center, which hasn’t hosted a PLE  in more than three decades.

This will be the final stop on the Road to WrestleMania 42, where the winners of the Chamber match will secure the WrestleMania spot against the World Champion, remaining after the Royal Rumble announce their picks.

With the stakes higher than ever, significant character shifts could be on the horizon for the superstars featured on this stacked card. So join us as we break down the most likely heel and face turns at WWE Elimination Chamber.

Face turn – Kiana James

There has been an active push for Kiana James in recent weeks. This was evident on last week’s SmackDown, as James secured a spot in the Women’s Chamber match by pinning Charlotte Flair. The victory was celebrated by fans, who cheered loudly for James as further evidence of her rising stardom.

An intriguing idea for James would be to turn face to set up a clash against her current client and Women’s United States Champion. James is becoming a fan-favorite attraction on the Blue brand and a major storyline leading into WrestleMania, with her turning face would elevate her into becoming a household name.

Also Read: All matches confirmed for WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 so far ft. CM Punk, AJ Lee & more

Heel turn – Randy Orton

‘The Viper’ Randy Orton’s trajectory on the Blue brand has been disappointing to say the very least. Orton has been unable to secure any major win or capture his 15th World title, a goal he has reiterated multiple times.

During Cody Rhodes’ title reign, WWE teased Orton turning on him multiple times, but the turn never materialized, leaving fans frustrated. The promotion should turn Orton at the Chamber PLE, bringing back the vintage Orton that fans adore.

Face turn – Finn Balor

Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, with the high-stakes clash unfolding amid growing teases of a potential babyface turn. Punk has repeatedly urged Bálor to walk away from The Judgment Day, reminding him of his glory days and the success he achieved on his own, without a faction holding him back.

Balor received a proper babyface treatment in his last meeting with Punk in his home country of Ireland. While Finn remained a heel, the promotion has continued teasing the face turn, which might come at the Chamber, and WWE might decide to book Balor vs his current Judgment Day teammate, Dominik Mysterio, a match that was planned for WrestleMania 41.

Heel turn – Cody Rhodes

Another potential heel turn that has been talked about multiple times is for Cody Rhodes. While Rhodes was initially against the idea, he accepted during an edition of his podcast that being a virtuous babyface isn’t the most appealing thing by modern entertainment standards, while some elements of being a heel are a lot of fun.

Many fans have pointed to this comment, speculating a turn for the American Nightmare and if WWE has moved away from booking Rhodes and Drew title rematch at Mania, a turn for Rhodes would be an exciting proposition ahead of the ‘Grandest Stage.’

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