Tonight on SmackDown Live (Dec 5th), it was announced that at Clash of Champions, Charlotte Flair would defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Natayla in a Lumberjack match.
The announcement came during a backstage segment with SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan overseeing an argument between Carmella, Lana and Tamina as to why they weren’t given a shot to the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Clash of Champion. Daniel suggested if Carmella wanted an opportunity at the title, she could cash in her Money in the Bank contract.
Moments later, The Riott Squad rolled in to ask why Ruby Riott wasn’t in title picture despite pinning the champion last week. To settle the ongoing argument from all the female Superstars eyeing a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Title, Daniel announced that they would be at ringside Clash of Champions as the SmackDown Women’s Title would now be defended in a Lumberjack match.
When Natalya heard the news of the stipulation, she gathered her former Welcoming Committee teammates to encourage them to have her back at the PPV should Charlotte be tossed to the outside and if the Riott Squad tried to get involved.
When the Riott Squad dropped in on the meeting, Natalya took a moment to thank the group for taking out Naomi last week as well as Becky Lynch two weeks ago, referring to them as the most powerful women in the WWE.
Later in the evening, Charlotte Flair took on Tamina, who was accompanied by Carmella, Lana and Natalya. Charlotte dominated the match early on but Tamina was able to get in some offensive after driving and dumping Charlotte at a corner and landing a super kick.
Tamina remained in control, trying to wear down Charlotte with grounded headlocks but Charlotte found an opening to hit a neck breaker on Tamina. Charlotte followed up with chops to the chest, a big boot and was able to secure the win over Tamina with a Figure Eight.
Post match, Natalya grabbed a mic to address Charlotte, vowing to take back the Women’s Title by giving a preview as to what awaits for her at the upcoming PPV.
The Riott Squad would come out and agree to give a preview of what is in store at Clash of Champion, which lead to a mini-brawl would between Tamina and Sarah Logan. The scuffle was short-lived as their respective teammates were able to keep the women apart.
What did you think of tonight’s SmackDown? Are you excited for the added stipulation at Clash of Champions? What do you think will happen in the weeks leading up to the PPV? Let us know in the comments below!
