3 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Jun 26)

2. Nikki Cross Gets Her Shot

Nikki Cross Lacey Evans Dana Brooke
WWE.com

There's no doubt that Nikki Cross is another filler opponent for Bayley before WWE pull the trigger on an inevitable feud with Sasha Banks, but the Scot deserves this pay-per-view chance because of the energy she brings to every segment. She's also a bit more interesting than some of Bayley's recent enemies.

Cross has dropped hints (some subtle and others not-so-subtle) that she's capable of reverting to her old SAnitY character when provoked. That, if handled carefully, could become a solid reason to eventually turn her heel on Alexa Bliss. For now though, Nikki gets Bayley one-on-one at Extreme Rules.

That's a solid enough title match.

Hopefully, WWE don't shy away from Cross' Glaswegian accent and let her cut some promos in the build towards her big shot on 19 July. Why not? Sasha Banks is pre-occupied with Asuka anyway, and it'd be nice to hear from Nikki rather and Alexa when Cross is the one actually wrestling.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.