WWE Battleground 2016: 10 Wrestling Matches We'd Rather See

8. No. 1 Contender's Match: Sasha Banks Vs. Paige

Jericho Reigns Battleground
WWE.com

It's a little too early for Sasha Banks to be challenging for Charlotte's Women's title. While that match isn't yet official, all indications point towards the two NXT revolutionaries squaring off in Washington.

We've been denied Banks for months, and now we're being denied the thrill of a storied championship chase. This isn't a Zack Ryder or Darren Young situation - it's the opposite. Banks is easily the most credible challenger WWE has on its main roster, and the one fans evidently most want to see take the crown. And yet, the response has been a little subdued thus far. That might have something to do with the fact that the event itself, and its proximity to SummerSlam, practically guarantees some sort of shenanigans-infused screwy finish.

To mitigate that, and add an authentic competitive flavour to a title that is still finding its own identity, WWE should book a number one contender's bout between Banks and Paige on PPV, the likes of which is rare for a title that, in its previous incarnation, wasn't deemed important enough to think about that far in advance.

Their shared NXT history and stymied career paths mean that the story, which writes itself, would be embedded with organic stakes.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!