7 Ups & 9 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Jun 11)

2. Bayley Beats Nikki

Bayley Nikki Cross
WWE.com

The best singles match on last night's show was SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs. Nikki Cross, who represented 'The Hugger's' Stomping Grounds opponent, Alexa Bliss. Elevated by the manufactured heat between the champ and Cross, it was a solid little midcard scrap with enough fun moments to hold the attention, as Bayley once again emerged looking strong ahead of her first big defence.

Nikki looked decent. She was granted enough shine throughout this short bout to ensure she lost little in defeat, and it looked like she actually had the better of the champion following an opportunistic roll-up off a Bliss distraction. Bayley kicked out, though. She then paid close attention to Alexa as she scaled the top rope, nailed the big elbow, and took the victory, preserving her current run as a strong, fighting champion.

It would have been very WWE to have Bayley eat a fluke loss here, so it's refreshing that they didn't take this option. Instead, the champion looked good and Cross put up a decent fight. The way it should be.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.