5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE SmackDown Live (Oct 11)

4. Naomi

Naomi Nikki Bella
WWE.com

Becky Lynch’s unclear health situation robbed WWE fans of her Women’s Title match with Alexa Bliss at No Mercy, but Daniel Bryan found a capable substitute. Naomi was announced as the champ’s replacement, and she performed admirably. The match wasn’t particularly good, but Naomi upset the upstart Bliss to claim the biggest win of her post-Draft career, and establish her position in the division.

Last night saw Naomi continue her winning habit by defeating Carmella, albeit through Nikki Bella’s distraction. A rematch with Bliss is already on the cards for next week, and Naomi is finally being given something to sink her teeth into on SmackDown. So often used as a peripheral figure, she has a chance to climb the ranks in Lynch’s absence, and while few are calling for a Naomi title reign at this stage, she’s in a great position.

Bliss will likely overturn her to build steam ahead of her rescheduled match with Becky, but Naomi is an underrated performer with bags of potential. SmackDown’s writers have done a good job in making everyone in their women’s division feel important so far, and an increased role for the former Funkadactyl suits her to a tee.

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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.