This week’s SmackDown had one match and it was the build for the feud between Bayley and Bianca Belair. This all started at Survivor Series where Bayley claimed to be the captain of the team by being handpicked to be a part of it. Belair has laughed off the notion of Bayley being captain but now she seems to be becoming a nuisance and the EST isn’t having it.
For the second week in a row, Natalya has been placed firmly in the middle of this growing feud. Last week, Belair was able to pick up a win on Natalya despite the distraction and attempt of interference by Bayley. This week it was Bayley taking on Natalya.
Natalya defeated Bayley via Submission
In what many would call a shocking victory, Natalya defeated Bayley vis the Sharpshooter. It is weird calling this an upset based on Natalya’s tenure but she did just beat the longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion. The booking is definitely unique, especially if Natalya is just being used as the buffer between Bayley and Belair. After the match, Belair would mock Bayley for tapping.
The other women on the show were the announcement that Carmella will be facing Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Title at TLC. For that breakdown, you can click here to read what happened when they had a “War of Words.”
A couple of things that happened in a Network Exclusive and during Talking Smack added to the women of the blue brand. I feel both things could have been added to the show, but heaven forbid they take a few extra minutes to expand on storylines.
First, there was an interaction between Bayley and Belair after Bayley suffered her loss. In the exclusive, Bayley mocks Belair for being the EST as she says that she herself is the BEST. Belair returned the favor by mocking the appearance of Bayley and saying she isn’t even that cute and looks dusty.
Bayley tells her to go back to where she came from whether it be RAW or NXT. Belair had heard enough as she started taking off her earrings. Bayley then backs away saying she just had a match and suffered a Sharpshooter so she told the EST to put her earrings back in as she walked off. Belair confidently said, “that’s what I thought.”
Lastly, we had what definitely could have been placed on the main show in some capacity and that is what happened on Talking Smack.
The Riott Squad were guests on the show as Billie Kay appeared with her headshot and resume. She boasted that she is a former tag team champion. Liv Morgan suggests to Kay that they see her next week, in the ring, with a partner. Ruby Riott asks if Kay thinks that she can find herself a partner by next week. Kay says she is juggling opportunities and she is in high demand. It appears we will see a tag team match next week with Kay bringing in a partner.
This makes me say it again, why were The IIconics broken up if they are just going to be in new tag teams!!!
Anyway, I would be for this only if this brings up someone new. There really aren’t many women left on the blue roster. We literally have Tamina. So unless they plan on putting The IIconics back together, I wouldn’t mind seeing Santana Garrett or Vanessa Borne show up.
Let’s get into the Winners & Losers of the week.
WINNER: Natalya
Well, this was a surprise. Nothing against Natalya at all but when she has been on a losing streak and she submits the longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion it was definitely a shock. I doubt this will amount to anything unless she is firmly put in the feud with Bianca and Bayley. The booking is a bit strange, but I get the reasoning to use Natalya so that the match between Bianca and Bayley is held off.
WINNER: Bianca Belair
Without saying or doing much, Belair is living rent-free in Bayley’s head. I am getting pretty excited about this match. It is a perfect stepping stone to hit before Bianca gets to Sasha. Bianca would obviously need to come out on top. She really is a star and I am excited she is finally getting utilized after moving to RAW and not doing anything.
LOSER: Bayley
Bayley can certainly afford a loss, however, it was surprising that it was done prior to losing to Bianca. I really wish the Network Exclusive was squeezed on the main show. It was entertaining and I feel that it would have escalated the feud.
LOSER: Billie Kay
Not sure why she wasn’t on the show. The one thing they hyped up on social media, and they didn’t capitalize on it. Regardless, I wish they would just have Peyton move to SmackDown and put The IIconics back together. It wouldn’t make the most sense as it was their loss against the Riott Squad that broke them up in the first place, but WWE can admit this was wrong and right it.
Having them put in new tag teams really is unnecessary. Granted, we need more tag teams, but not this way. I just hope if it isn’t Peyton then it will be someone new to freshen things up.
What did you think of this week’s SmackDown? Who were your Winners & Losers? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!!
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