10 Biggest Mysteries Still Surrounding WrestleMania 33

5. What Are The SmackDown Women's Title Plans?

Undertaker Roman reigns wrestlemania
WWE

Naomi’s injury has thrown WWE’s SmackDown Women’s Championship plans into the shredder.

Having defeated Alexa Bliss at Elimination Chamber, Naomi was originally intended to carry the title into WrestleMania 33, which takes place in her hometown of Orlando, Florida. The former Funkadactyl was forced to vacate the belt just nine days after winning it, however, and Bliss took the gold back after defeating Becky Lynch on this week’s SmackDown.

WWE must now come up with an alternative. The injury leaves Bliss without a feud, though she does have considerable history with Lynch. The Irish Lass Kicker appears to be preoccupied with Mickie James at the moment, however, and may not be available as a result. Nikki Bella is expected to team with John Cena to face The Miz and Maryse at the event, meanwhile, but Natalya is seemingly available.

The most likely outcome is that WWE book another multi-woman match. Bliss vs. Lynch vs. James vs. Natalya might make sense as a fatal four-way, but it’s a tad heel heavy, and is effectively a mirror image of the Raw Women’s Title match. Reviving the Lynch vs. Bliss feud would make just as much sense, but whatever they come up with, SmackDown’s writers are going to have to think on their feet with just five weeks of programming to go.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.