The Real Reason Nikki Cross Was Added To WWE Extreme Rules 2019

All may not be well with Alexa Bliss...

Nikki Cross
WWE.com

This week's WWE television saw Nikki Cross earn the biggest match of her run so far, working her way into Bayley and Alexa Bliss' SmackDown Women's Championship match by defeating the champ in a Raw Beat the Clock Challenge, before signing the contract the following night.

It's now a handicap match, and Dave Meltzer has the reason why.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, the swole wrestling journo overlord noted that Bliss is suffering from a "really bad sinus infection," and that her condition prompted WWE to move forward with the handicap match in order to protect her.

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Alexa's illness reportedly forced WWE to rewrite the whole storyline with her, Cross, and Bayley. They weren't originally going to go with the 2-on-1 but made a snap, last-minute decision - a shame, as the angle was rolling along nicely.

Regardless, Cross is a talented performer who has grabbed her recent televised opportunities with both hands. It's good to see her in an increased spotlight and if Alexa isn't at 100%, this feels like an acceptable compromise. How limited Bliss will be between the ropes remains to be seen, so let's hope she's able to get through it.

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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.