SmackDown this week marks the last show prior to Extreme Rules this Sunday. The major focus was on the contract signing for the SmackDown Women’s Championship match.
The champion Bayley met Nikki Cross in the ring to put ink to paper and make the match official. Alexa Bliss who will be Cross’ partner in this 2-On-1 Handicap match wasn’t present.
The contract signing was so-so. It focused on the same Bayley telling Cross that she is being played by Bliss. Although many fans are interested to know how the story will play out, (will Cross turn on Bliss or vice versa) Bayley didn’t say anything different from what she normally says.
One take away from this segment is that if Cross and Bliss win this Sunday they will become “Co-Champions.” In addition to this, many fans are speculating that Sasha Banks may return to possibly help her best friend.
The only women’s match of the night involved Cross taking on Carmella. The match was solid with Cross pulling out a victory. Carmella tried putting her away with an inside cradle but only got a two count. Cross put her away with a spinning neck-breaker.
The other women that were on this week’s SmackDown but didn’t appear in matches were:
The Kabuki Warriors, The IIconics, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, and Ember Moon.
A lot of women were on this week’s show but didn’t compete. The Kabuki Warriors manager Paige attempted to cash in their title opportunity later on in the night against The IIconics, but Billie Kay was “sick.”
Rose, Deville, and Moon were physically in catering. The Fire and Desire duo continued their bullying ways against Moon and challenged her to a match next week. They suggested she find a partner. Moon stated even if she doesn’t find one she will take them both on herself.
Let’s get into the Winners & Losers of this night from this very uneventful SmackDown.
WINNER: Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross came out on the stronger end of the contract signing exchange. Whereas the segment itself left something to be desired, Cross was way more convincing than the champ herself. Cross also was able to put away Carmella which elevates her (and Alexa Bliss) heading into Extreme Rules.
LOSER: Bayley
There was a big disconnect with Bayley this week. She didn’t necessarily need to come out on top heading into Sunday’s event, but her “convincing” Cross about her “friend” has flatlined. As mentioned on RAW’s Winners & Losers the champion doesn’t always have to win all the time or be unstoppable, however, Bayley’s performance wasn’t memorable.
LOSERS: The Kabuki Warriors
They were actually on television for a change, but another backstage segment means nothing. They could have very well had a match against anyone else if they didn’t want to have the Women’s Tag Team Championship match yet. The match could have even been a one-on-one match with Asuka or Kairi Sane facing literally anyone. DO SOMETHING!!!
At this time there are 10 total matches announced for Extreme Rules. So unless the title match is put on the Kickoff Show it probably will not happen until SummerSlam.
Last Thoughts heading into Extreme Rules:
For the SmackDown Women’s Championship picture it is a little bit blurry compared to the RAW title. More than likely Lynch will retain her title on Sunday, but Bayley may be in trouble. Depending on if they want to pull the plug on the Alexa Bliss/Nikki Cross friendship or not they could very well become Co-Champions.
The implication on Bayley needing a “friend” to help her may just be Sasha Banks returning. She is being rumored to be on the list of appearances for the July 22 episode of RAW. She is also featured on the SummerSlam poster in local ads.
What were your thoughts on SmackDown this week? Are you looking forward to Extreme Rules? Who were your Winners & Losers? Discuss your thoughts in the comment section!!
Check back with Diva Dirt to see if Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross can become co-champions.
