Paige vs. Nikki Bella – Money in the Bank 2015
Nikki Bella is one of the most polarizing performers from the Divas era, and there aren’t many women as synonymous with the Divas Championship. Many of her detractor claim she didn’t have any real competition during lauded 301-day reign as champion.
However, it’s hard to argue anyone did more to legitimize her second reign than Paige. She posed a real threat, but she also added credibility to Nikki’s signature moves. This match revolved around the Anti-Diva trying to lock in various submissions while avoiding the Rack Attack.
She narrowly lost after a very controversial finish, where the Bellas tried to use Twin Magic but Paige reversed Brie’s roll up attempt. After a successful three count, Brie revealed she wasn’t Nikki and shenanigans ensued.
It’s one of those silly wrestling ploys that quickly falls apart under scrutiny. Admittedly, it’s not a good finish but the match is important for two reasons. First, it made Paige look like strong because she pushed Nikki to her limits.
Secondly, it paved the way for the divide between the Divas and the new crop of women coming in from NXT. If Paige doesn’t lose this match and help to make Nikki into a formidable heel champion, Charlotte’s eventual win at Night of Champions wouldn’t have felt as monumental.
