4 Ups & 3 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Aug 22)

3. The Women Tell Us A Story

Natalya Carmella
WWE.com

There was absolutely nothing special about the work on display in Naomi and Becky Lynch vs. Natalya and Carmella. It was a totally run of the mill SmackDown women’s division match, with little in the way of major thrills and spills, but it did tell a good story throughout, and that’s why it’s an up.

It was preceded by an in-ring segment with Nattie getting all emotional about her overdue title win, and a snotty Carmella teasing a Money In The Bank cash-in. From there, ‘The Princess Of Staten Island’ flat out refused to tag her partner during the match. Carmella tagged out almost as soon as the bell rung, then spent most of the match on the apron, continuing to tease a cash-in as the bout unfolded, though she didn’t go for it in the end.

The finish saw Nattie eventually tag her partner against her wishes, then chase her into the ring, leading to the finish. Lynch took Ms. MITB out with an Xploder Suplex while she was screaming at Nattie, Naomi hit the split-legged Moonsault, and that was that.

Unspectacular from a work standpoint, this bout delivered a strong, cohesive narrative, and helped further the ongoing Natalya vs. Carmella feud.

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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.