5 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (26 Dec - Results & Review)
3. Lash Legend Shows Real Promise
WWE want Lash Legend to have a biiiiiiiiig 2026, and matches like this one vs. Charlotte Flair show she’s capable of great things if she keeps working hard. Even somebody with the sun in their eyes could see that there's a solid shell for Lash to build on. She has talent, doesn't appear to think she's the finished article, and is obviously popular enough with the roster that veterans are willing to give her a leg up the ladder.
Oh, also - that spot with her holding opponents in a fall away slam position but bouncing them between the top and middle ropes should stick. It’s bullying behaviour, and it fits Legend as a heel. Aesthetically, Lash has the visible power to be considered a threat to anybody. Charlotte was giving here as well. She laid out and let Legend kick lumps out of her for 80/90% of the match, then Legend’s inexperience showed.
The relative rookie got distracted by Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax scuffling, so Flair capitalised and rolled her up. Michael Cole did well to explain that it was actually Flair who was distracted at first, but her experience edge meant she could refocus on the task at hand. Meanwhile, poor Lash couldn't. Yep, really solid work from both these women.
One can see this being a bumper PLE title bout somewhere down the road if Legend keeps improving the way she is. Seeing her drop Nia Jax as a partner longer term will be satisfying, then Lash will only go from strength to strength. Surely Triple H saw enough from this performance to keep her in mind for higher profile spots in the new year.