Two matches that determined the future of two titles.
1/2 the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions - the IIconics was on the ring to face 1/2 of their future Challengers. The Man was there to meet her old-frenemy and new acquisition to SmackDown Live Roster. The end of the two stories - well the first one is still in a build-up, the other one got an interesting twist.
KAIRI SANE /w. Asuka & Paige/ defeated 1/2 WWE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPION PEYTON ROYCE /w. 1/2 WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Billi Kay/
The whole pre-match thing was related to the usual high-school bullying! The IIconics mocked Asuka and Kairi Sane, calling them 'super-lameous', pretend that they don't know 'Kery' Sane's actual name, etc (they did some Avengers: The Endgame promotion, as well). The usual teen craps, which were kind of funny, but ... hm, that won't last long!
Then they entered the ring and we had a match.
The match itself was a nice package that showed us some favorite, signature moves by Peyton Royse and dynamic, trademark spots by Kairi Sane. We had the drama when the Champion pushed her opponent in the corner and choke her with a leg. We had some mocking, a lot of screaming and in the end after of series of destructive maneuvers, we got Kairi Sane fly-high for the win!
Recap:
It's not the IIconics week. Billie was defeated on Raw by Naomi, now Peyton was shouted down by Sane... Not good! For me, the goal here is the Champs to be presented week so they will shock everyone when the things come down to the titles defense and they come out stronger, retaining them. Stronger in dirty tricks, not only in the mean talk!
I love the momentum of Kairi Sane. She is someone who you might enjoy watching every week. I like that she is adjusting quickly into her new brand and she looks stable and strong as always. Sane's emotional facial expression is priceless as her wrestling talent and you can't stand cold watching her struggling to win with that mix of desperation and determination across her face. Total Superstar Package. Can't wait to see her and Asuka challenging for the belts.
My idea about Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose as the first obstacle on the way to the #1 Contenders' spot for Asuka and Kairi look like its ready to be put in motion. The former Absolutions members confronted Paige, telling her that they won't be there for her when the Japanese team fails to win the titles. For me, that is a good set up for tag team and singles match in a kind of triangle configuration The IIconics - Kairi & Asuka - Fire and Desire! It has its potential for development.
THE MAN FACES THE QUEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER WRESTLEMANIA 35. BAYLEY SHAKE-UP THE THINGS
This week Charlotte Flair opened the 'talk session' on SDL. The Queen had some important recaps to make like Becky is Double Champion, that she wasn't pinned at WrestleMania, so she didn't feel like she loses and etc.
Then The Man entered the ring reminding us of how many, countless times she has defeated the Queen (yeah, though, it's kind of tiring). Lynch explained that she wanted to beat the Baddest Woman on the Planet - the woman that Flair has never actually pinned/defeated so that Becky could prove her own worth.
And then Bayley, the newest acquisition to SmackDown Live women's division, made her presence known, interrupting the argument between The Man and The Queen. She made a good statement: The Shake-up should be like a new beginning, not a rewind of an old war. So, The Hugger entered the ring wanting a title shot. Bayley pointed out that Becky Lynch beat her a zero-times since they are in WWE.
Charlotte Flair, in her whole arrogance and confidence, asked Bayley to go 'back on the line' and put her hand on the Huggable One's shoulder, which was the beginning of what happened next. Bayley asked Charlotte to earn her #1 Contender's place! The Queen tried to continue her insult on the former WWE Women's Tag Team champion, but The Hugger had enough and hit the mic, challenging Flair on an impromptu match!
The whole time while Flair and Bayley trade insults, The Man watched with pure joy displayed on her face.
So, the #1 Contender's match was ready to start...
Recap:
Charlotte and Becky were great as always. Their arguments are always fun to watch. Both had good points. Actually, I was like 'Wait! Charlotte has a rematch clause! She doesn't need to 'earn her spot', she has it granted', but in the end, I was 'Well, let see where this thing is going!'.
Then something happened!
Bayley's entrance was kind of filled with tension and strange feeling. She was so serious, she made a really strong statement and... the WWE Universe didn't boo her this week... Why? Because Bayley was there to bring some refreshment. Because I said it million times and those who have brains get it - most of us are tired of Becky vs. Charlotte and we hope that this rematch will be the last and we won't see these two fightings one on one in the next few months. Eventually to hope to not seeing them wrestle until the end of the year is quite too much! So, that's why Bayley was warmed welcomed into the fry!
Now: The Match!
CHARLOTTE FLAIR defeated BAYLEY,
to win the #1 Contender's spot at Money In The Bank
Guys, I love watching the NXT Four Horsewomen working together in any combination (as Becky sometimes is kind of stiff, but overall, all four of them can put an amazing match)! You will agree that their chemistry and dynamics are working on many levels.
They know each other styles and somehow, they are not ready to take on one another, on full capacity. There is always a high level of drama in their matches.
This one wasn't an exception!
Really good fight, with great spots. You must watch it and enjoy it because it's not simple to be described. Bayley's aggressive attitude and domination were something that pleases and entertains you. The end was really impressive because it wasn't the usual Figure Eight leglock finisher, that earned the victory for the Queen, despite the fact that she worked on Bayley's leg, setting her up for that submission.
Simple, athletic, graceful Spear! 1-2-3! And it was over! Charlotte Flair re-earns her right to challenge the Champ. Now as it goes The Man should retain her belts in two separate title matches at Money In The Bank PPV.
This is Serious!
... Now we're talking!
Recap:
I love this match! I love the fresh air that it brought on SDL! I really enjoy watching these two re-ignite their Raw's rivalry, which was great at the time.
I am so impressed by Bayley's new attitude, so serious and totally concentrated. Her new addition to the move set - the sunset flip into the corner is a nice touch, not the best, but really something diverse. Really good performance.
I love the end. The whole set up for Figure-Eight, that didn't work so Charlotte needed to turn to a simple but effective move - the Spear. Well, done! Her in-ring performance was on a high level as always. Now we'll wait and see what will happen at MITB, because as she said several times: she has nothing to lose!
