11 Ups & 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jul 2)

5. Bayley & Nikki's Pointless Battle

Nikki Cross Bayley
WWE.com

Last week saw Bayley lose to Nikki Cross in a non-title match, thus punching Alexa Bliss' ticket for a SmackDown Women's Title shot at Extreme Rules. While Bayley's defeat was disappointing, it at least made Cross look like a credible competitor, pushing her relationship with Bliss forward in the process.

Last night, WWE decided to run it back by having Bayley pin Cross in just under three minutes... and, like... why?

The booking doesn't make a great deal of sense. Yes, it gives Bayley her win back, but doesn't that defeat the purpose if putting Cross over in the first place? If you're going to make a controversial move like having a champion at a non-title loss, at least commit to the benefits. In going 50/50, WWE did the opposite.

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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.