Hello, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to this week’s SmackDown Redux! This week on the blue brand, Divas Champion AJ Lee attempts to keep her Total Divas Elimination Tour rolling, as she faces off against one half of the Funkadactyls, Cameron. Can Cameron do what her partner couldn’t last week, and knock off the champ or will AJ check another name off her list? Check out the match below:
Out first to the ring is Cameron, along with Naomi and we’re treated to that dance routine we all love so much. AJ is out next, being accompanied by… TAMINA SNUKA?!?!?! Wait… what? In a backstage vignette, AJ explains that she hired Tamina as protection because all the Divas hate her. Maybe more that she is teamed up with the champ, she’ll finally get to make that statement… Anyway, the referee signal for the bell and our match is underway!
AJ sits on the middle rope, obviously not taking Cameron seriously, but as soon as Cameron turns away AJ sneak attacks her from behind. AJ thrashes Cameron in the corner for a bit, before taking her over with a snapmare, followed by a cravat.
AJ works the submission, but Cameron fights her way back to a vertical base, only to be snatched back down to the mat by AJ. AJ continues her assault, whipping her opponent across the ring. She goes for a splash in the corner, but Cameron moves in the nick of time and rolls up the champion for a nearfall.
Cameron sees her opportunity and goes on the offensive with a flurry of strikes, followed by a split leg drop for another nearfall. AJ tries her best to slow the raging Funkadactyl down, but Cameron makes her way to the top rope and hits a sketchy looking crossbody for another 2 count.
Before Cameron can gain any more momentum, AJ kicks her in the gut and throws her out of the ring to the floor below. AJ goes out of ring and tosses Cameron back inside, prompting Naomi to check on her partner. AJ gets a little mouthy with Naomi, but things can get physical, Tamina pulls Naomi off of the ring apron and makes a statement all over Naomi’s face with a HUGE clothesline.
Meanwhile back in the ring, Cameron takes advantage of the distraction and rolls AJ up, looking to take the upset victory. Unfortunately for Cameron, AJ kicks out and nails her with a shining wizard to pick up the victory.
Thoughts: We’re all friends here, so I’m not gonna lie to you: I didn’t go into this match with high expectations. Cameron has only ever competed in tag matches and in a very limited capacity, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of her as a singles competitor. That said, I was pleasantly surprised. While she may not be the best in the ring, Cameron has definitely progressed and has the potential to do so much more. Sooner or later, she’ll be making her own Melina vs Alicia Fox moments.
As for the AJ/Tamina alliance, I’m not sure how feel yet. While I understand the concept of AJ needing some hired muscle, the pairing with Tamina seems random and forced, but I’ll give it a few weeks to see how it plays out between the two before I pass judgment.
That’s all for this week, guys. Leave your guesses on who you think is the next victim on the Total Divas Elimination Tour is! Until next time!
