#2 Natalya vs Carmella:
Result: Carmella pins Natalya with a roll-up after a confrontation between Natalya and Nikki Bella.
Grade: 6/10
It is good to see a secondary women’s feud outside the title picture (unlike on Raw), but this story has lacked logic. Natalya, for some reason, continues to be portrayed as an innocent, loyal friend to Nikki Bella, despite being a heel for the last few months.
Bella (who was guest commentator) said that Natalya would never attack her from behind, even though a few months ago she did exactly that to Becky Lynch at Money in the Bank. Carmella’s role in all of this is confusing as well, and it has led to a muddled story.
As for the match itself, it was weak. Carmella spent most of the bout running away from the determined “babyface” Natalya, and a quick roll up win due to a Natalya confrontation with Bella did little for Carmella. At least Smackdown Live is trying to establish a secondary women’s division feud unlike Raw, but the story so far has been a mess.
Still, this story looks to be slowly building, so hopefully it develops into something better in the coming weeks. Overall, a weak match with a somewhat confusing story so far, but at least there is some effort in providing women outside the title picture with a rivalry.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
