5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (14 Aug - Results & Review)

3. An Outstanding Opening For Chelsea Green

For Chelsea and Nick Aldis, for that matter.

Both delivered strongly on the mic to kick off SmackDown. Aldis said that the medical team couldn’t clear Chelsea so she’d have to relinquish the Women’s Title. Pushing back, Green put forth her case, but then handed him the belt and walked out. That's when Nick changed his mind and said he’d give Chelsea 30 days to get cleared and defend the title. This sort of thing is dinged by the fact WWE don’t take that line with every title 100% of the time, but man, the emotion was definitely there and both nailed this segment before Gunther’s interruption.

Personally? No desire to see Chelsea vs. Nia Jax, but that is what it is and that was moaned about in the 'Downs'. Also, it's clear that WWE should clarify why Rhea is allowed to hold onto her belt despite being injured for months, but Chelsea has 30 days to defend it or she's stripped. That's a bit out there, and it smacks of the inconsistency mentioned in the prior paragraph.

Right, back to the good. Aldis cuts such a well-rounded human figure as GM, and that's been heightened since fans connected to his comeback story heading into SummerSlam. It was on full display as he sighed whilst asking something of Chelsea he didn't want to ask. Green's own performance was top class. If anyone is paying attention behind that curtain, then they'll realise how much more she has to give as a babyface around these parts.

This should be the beginning of something beautiful for Chelsea.