How SmackDown On Fox FINALLY Became WWE's A-Show

2019 didn't end on the high it might have done for Bayley and Sasha Banks. The former 'Hugger' had abandoned her old self in staying tied to returning heel Banks following their summer apart in the shadow of a WrestleMania loss to The IIconics. As SmackDown Women's Champion with 'The Boss' ambling along with her, the pair felt like a permanently sidelined concern on a show neglecting an entire division.

2020 brought with it significant changes. A Lacey Evans babyface turn actually worked, forcing with it some actual development of Sasha and Bayley's new evil relationship. Lingering in the background was that giant WrestleMania sign - something Banks would have more than a glance at from time to time as Bayley fiercely fought to cling on to her increasingly ill-deserved strap.

The duo joined Naomi, Tamina and Evans in a spirited five-way at the 'Show Of Shows', as the mirroring of the Triple H/Batista rivalry continued with a poaching of the brilliant New Years Revolution 2005 finish that saw Bayley seemingly let Sasha take a fall only to require her friend's help to ensure she kept her title. This wasn't stealing your own lousy p*ss-throwing angle, this was repurposing a functional and successful pro wrestling storyline.

The Champion grew in confidence and vanity, while Bayley the performer at long last locked into a persona that felt lived in. Some elegantly worked television matches by the pair and exceptional dual meaning social media posts later and the eventual blow up between the two hasn't felt this hot since NXT. And then they won the tag team titles - in a match set up by a Banks victory over Alexa Bliss and a result assured as result of Banks scoring the pin - as if to give plausible justification for 'The Boss' to keep putting up with her best friend's bullsh*t. Yet again, the writing is welcoming us the viewers stay to one crucial step ahead so the eventual split hits just right.

And who were brought along to possibly tease the dissension out? The IIconics - the bothersome team that inadvertently started it all. Even those that can't contribute as much to the action are finding a relevant spot with which to move the product along. And as for the ones who can go when the bell rings...

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