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Following a sub-par show at Super ShowDown, WWE had a mountain to climb on Sunday. Stomping Grounds was a brand new pay-per-view which took place merely two weeks after Super ShowDown; hence, the anticipation was not very high. Nevertheless, the company exceeded the expectations at Stomping Grounds and the show was better in almost every way.
The show was held at Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. A total of nine matches took place at Stomping Grounds. The SmackDown Women's Championship was one of the titles which were defended at Tacoma Dome.
Bayley, who is the SmackDown Women's Champion, faced Alexa Bliss. It was not their first encounter as the two women locked horns in two pay-per-view matches in the past. The Goddess had two victories in two matches against Bayley but the latter changed the trend at Stomping Grounds. Though Nikki Cross was in Bliss' corner, Bayley managed to pin the five-time Women's Champion.
Here we discuss three reasons why Bayley pinned Alexa Bliss at Stomping Grounds.
#3 Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross will re-enter the Women's Tag Team Championship picture
Alexa Bliss was a surprising pick to challenge the SmackDown Women's Champion when she became the number one contender to Bayley. As a matter of fact, Bliss is not part of the blue brand as she appeared on SmackDown Live through Wild Card Rule. Despite having several talented women on the blue brand, Bliss was booked as the next in line.
Before challenging Bayley at Stomping Grounds, Alexa Bliss hinted going after the Women's Tag Team Titles. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross have been good friends in the last few weeks and it will not be surprising if they re-enter the Women's Tag Team Title picture.
Bliss and Cross could be propelled well in that way, and also establish Cross as a legitimate superstar in the eyes of the WWE Universe. Moreover, following the split of Boss N Hug Connection, the Tag Team division certainly needs some big names.
#2 Bayley will have a lengthy title reign
Bayley altered her fate after she was drafted to SmackDown Live at the Superstar Shake-up. The SmackDown Women's Champion won the Money in the Bank briefcase and she cashed in the contract on the same night. The Hugger pinned Charlotte Flair to win the most coveted women's prize of the blue brand for the first time in her career.
Prior to Money in the Bank, Bayley had a sub-standard run on the red brand. She didn't achieve notable success on RAW as a singles competitor. Since losing the RAW Women's Title two years ago, she got lost in the shuffle.
After grabbing the blue belt, Bayley has been different and she has reinvented her character. As champion, she has been aggressive and has great momentum. Considering the victory at Stomping Grounds, Bayley is likely to have a long title run; she could be positioned as one of the top women's performers of this era alongside Charlotte and Becky Lynch.
#1 WWE could be planning a massive feud between Sasha Banks and Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship
Sasha Banks, who is a four-time Women's Champion, made her last appearance at the Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. Banks and Bayley were holders of the Women's Tag Team Titles, but they lost the twin belts to the IIconics. The Boss was unhappy with her booking and she is currently on a hiatus. Considering Banks is still part of WWE, the company could bring her back before SummerSlam, which is just two months away.
Since Banks' absence, her former Tag Team partner Bayley has achieved notable success. The biggest pay-per-view of the summer around the corner and we could see a great rivalry for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
While Banks has been a babyface for most of her WWE career, she could stun the fans by returning as a heel. It is no secret that Banks was a remarkable heel in NXT and she could rejuvenate herself with a change in attitude. Considering Banks and Bayley offered one of the best feuds in NXT, they could repeat the same feat, this time with the SmackDown Women's Championship at stake. This might be the main reason why Bayley retained against Alexa Bliss last night.
