World Wrestling Entertainment returns to Chicago later this week for one of the biggest events in the professional wrestling calendar as “Elimination Chamber” takes over the United Center.
Illinois has a rich history in professional wrestling — it witnessed one of the more memorable moments in pro wrestling in recent years when Chicago icon CM Punk made his return to the WWE during “Survivor Series” at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont in 2023. But “Elimination Chamber” will be a rare treat for Chicago fans, as it marks the first premium live event in the city since SummerSlam at the United Center in 1994.
“Elimination Chamber” is also the final stop on the “road to WrestleMania,” and the fate of some of the biggest wrestling stars hangs in the balance. CM Punk will face Finn Bálor for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and Becky Lynch takes on AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Then for the main event, fans get to see their favorite wrestlers locked inside a steel cage. “Elimination Chamber” matches feature six superstars, with two competitors starting the match, while the other four remain locked in pods. Gradually, the superstars are introduced and they might fight until only one remains.
To be sure, the “Entertainment” in World Wrestling Entertainment acknowledges that matches are theater as much as sport, with the action choreographed and outcomes scripted. But that rarely gets in the way of fans feeling fully invested in the competition, feeling every bump as the stars put their lives on the line for their entertainment.
The Tribune spoke with female wrestler Anriel Howard, ring name Lash Legend, also known as the “Boujee Bully.”
Having made her official main roster debut on WWE SmackDown in Nov. 2025, Lash Legend has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. The Atlanta native signed with WWE in 2020 and trained at its Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, before wrestling on its developmental brand, WWE NXT.
Legend had a strong athletic background before joining the WWE, with a brief career in the WNBA playing for Seattle Storm following a college basketball run at Texas A&M.
The experience as a basketballer helped prepare Legend for a career in the WWE, especially in developing her “heel” persona — the antagonist character in wrestling.
“I’ve got a lot of attitude. I’m just me out there, I really am. Being able to be me but still be athletic, have charisma and personality,” she said. “Being a WWE superstar is very fitting for the person and athlete that I am. As far as specifically being a heel, I’ve always talked a lot of trash. My background was basketball so the ‘bully’ persona that I have in the ring has been there throughout my athletic career.”
Legend said she is determined to make a “big impact” in the industry and not just “tiptoe” her way to the top. So far, she has made appearances in WWE premium live events such as “Royal Rumble” and “Survivor Series” and is expected to take part in the upcoming “Elimination Chamber.” She made her premium live event debut during a “War Games” match at Survivor Series alongside the biggest names in the women’s division, including Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, AJ Lee and Iyo Sky.
“It was another surreal moment of being able to look around and be like, ‘Damn, I’m in the ring with these future hall of famers.’” said Legend. “This was always the goal and always the dream. I’m finally on the main roster and working with the top girls in the company and paired with Nia Jax, the irresistible force. It’s so surreal. Every day I say, “I’m really doing this!” I definitely feel like I belong. I don’t feel that I look like a new girl who doesn’t know what she’s doing. When I come in that ring, it looks like I’m going to own that ring. I’m new but I’m going to show you what she’s about.”
Although she was beaten in a Triple Threat Qualifying Match — with Tiffany Stratton winning the bout — Legend is hoping to have one last chance to qualify and perform in front of Chicago fans.
“We are very excited to go back to Chicago. I love some deep dish pizza, I love to eat and Chicago is the place to go. We are grateful to the Chicago organizations for bringing us out,” she said. “Any time we are in Chicago, it feels different. It has so much history and so much support in the city for wrestling. It feels different from going anywhere else. Chicago and Philly, specifically from my experiences, have always been a warm welcome and exciting fans. The fans are ready to cheer and boo you.”
If you go
“Elimination Chamber” is 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $261.05 at www.unitedcenter.com
Adam Davidson is a freelance writer.
