5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (1 Nov - Results & Review)

2. The Women Gave It Competition!

Being brutally honest, Naomi and Bayley vs. Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae was nothing to write home about either. These women got double the time of the previously moaned-about tag, but they proceeded to do nothing with it. There should be real concerns about where Bayley is headed as a character - she's cooled significantly since her WrestleMania 40 high, and appears to be sliding right back into the babyface hugger territory that forced a change in 2019.

Meanwhile, her pal Naomi will be tough sledding for fans as a challenger for Nia Jax. Assuming that's the plan once Crown Jewel is in the rearview mirror. A quick backstage staredown involving Nia and Tiffany Stratton sure points towards Naomi getting a title shot on TV or at Survivor Series soon. Hmm. Again, this could be a difficult mini-feud to frame unless Hunter has something special up his sleeve.

Obviously, the announcement that went out before this week's SmackDown aired was hanging over the tag like a black cloud. Indi Hartwell has been released, so it was odd to see her work a bout presented as live despite being on the outs. Somebody didn't stop to think this one through; either that or they figured nobody would really notice and/or care.

It'd be smart to put Candice with DIY (or something like that) going forwards. She's stranded now her on-screen bestie is gone. Over on the babyface side, Bayley and Naomi have nothing to them as a happy go lucky tag. More is definitely needed across the board outside SmackDown's female title picture.