5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (July 24)

Ups...

5. Alexa Bliss Going Old-School

Alexa Bliss Nikki Cross
WWE.com

Right, good vibes only for this point on.

Ignore the fact that Bayley played GM by setting up Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Cross early in the show. WWE has moved on (although probably not permanently) from endless authority figure matchmaking, and that gives programming a bit more zip. It doesn't make much sense, but it's also harmless.

The match was solid too. Nikki has developed into a likeable spitfire babyface, and seeing her wrestle her on screen pal felt unique. Also, whichever agent made the call for Bliss to go back in time, turn back into her vindictive little witch self and attack Cross' injured ribs deserves a pat on the back.

Alexa did so reluctantly, and that gave some emotional weight to her own dreams of becoming SmackDown Women's Champion. WWE booked the match, gave both enough time, had Bliss tease a heel turn and then re-established her relationship with Nikki backstage.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.