6 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Nov 4)

Ups...

6. Multiple Directions WWE Can Go

Shayna Baszler borderline-squashing Natalya was a decent reminder of the old NXT warrior princess that's been lurking in the shadows for too long. It was notable that WWE plonked Ronda Rousey at ringside too. What's that you say? WWE has options with this whole shindig involving Shayna and Ronda?

Excellent.

Creative can go down the tag-team route with these women (they're a better fit as partners than Alexa Bliss and Asuka, put it that way), or have them launch a slow-burn rivalry of their own over the SmackDown Women's Title. Either way, it's great to see Baszler finally refocus as a character on the main roster.

This is also the best use of Nattie in 2022. She's at her finest when she facilitates pushes for other workers, and WWE thankfully resisted the urge to script one of her horribly-forced backstage promos on this show. That was a cheeky bonus, and so was this match.