11 Ups & 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jun 18)

by Andy H Murray

1. A Fantastic Moment Of Bliss

Nikki Cross Bayley Alexa Bliss Moment Of Bliss
WWE.com

A Moment Of Bliss was SmackDown's one slice of true greatness, with the Alexa Bliss-hosted talk show segment soaring high above its usual level thanks to an awesome back-and-forth barb-shooting session between her and Stomping Grounds opponent Bayley.

The duo tore each other's characters apart. This began with Bliss claiming that the current SmackDown Women's Champion was a fake and a liar, and Bayley clapping back by blasting Alexa for using Nikki Cross like she'd done with Nia Jax and Mickie James beforehand, referring to her as "an entitled princess." 'The Goddess of WWE' claimed that she was naturally better than 'The Hugger,' and that she was living out the kind of career that Bayley always dreamed about, sparking a brawl.

Cross pulled Bayley off of her manipulative pal, with Alexa taking advantage by blasting her rival with the belt. A memorable conclusion to a memorable segment.

In accentuating the many, many differences between these two characters in a single talking segment, WWE raised Bayley vs. Bliss' anticipation levels tenfold. This was a well-played, well-scripted Moment of Bliss that makes you wonder why the company can't do it on a more consistent basis.

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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.