Naomi Vs. Natalya Set For WWE SummerSlam 2017

Natalya pinned Charlotte to become number one contender at Battleground.

by Andy H Murray
Natalya Naomi
WWE.com

Widely regarded as WWE's second biggest show of the year, WWE SummerSlam often features a double digit match count and a longer runtime than the average pay-per-view. This year's incarnation takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 20th, its first bout was made official at Battleground last night.

Charlotte, Lana, Tamina, Becky Lynch, and Natalya competed in a Fatal 5 Way elimination match to determine the number one contender to Naomi's SmackDown Women's Championship. A string of quickfire eliminations whittled the contest down to Nattie and Charlotte, with Natalya pinning the former Raw Women's Champion after throwing her against the turnbuckles.

Naomi offered a handshake afterwards, but Natalya declined. The duo will now face for the belt at SummerSlam, though Carmella's Money In The Bank briefcase could complicate matters.

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The PPV's other matches remain a mystery, but Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss' opponent will be confirmed when Sasha Banks and Bayley wrestle on tonight's show. Raw General Manager Kurt Angle is also expected to announce his plans for Brock Lesnar's Universal Championship during the broadcast.

Here are some photos and videos from Natalya's win:-

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.