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The self-proclaimed Bayley Dos Straps has had a historic run atop the WWE SmackDown Women's division as the SmackDown Women's Champion. Bayley's current title reign has lasted over 290 days and counting.
With her recent victory against Nikki Cross, Bayley has seemingly run out of opponents. So what's next for the champ? Are there any possible challengers for the title? There are many potential showdowns that could provide Bayley a worthy opponent.
WWE SummerSlam is right around the corner, and currently, there's no scheduled opponent for Bayley on the card. That should be changing soon as the duo of Bayley and Sasha Banks have continued to rule over the WWE, thus attracting some new potential competition.
In this article, we will discuss the five likeliest opponents for Bayley at SummerSlam. While it looks as though Bayley has a firm grasp on the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, could her next challenger pose a threat to her reign?
#5 Nikki Cross
Maybe it isn't likely that these two cross paths so soon, but Bayley's ability to continue to defeat Nikki Cross has begun to change the challenger. Nikki's normally jovial and fun personality, has become that of an obsessed opponent that is tired of being outmatched repeatedly.
We saw the frustration on full display on the latest installment of WWE SmackDown when Cross was defeated once again by Bayley. Cross shoved Alexa Bliss, her friend and tag-team partner, when Bliss was trying to give her encouragement following the loss. This fracture in her relationship with Cross could lead to a different version of Cross going forward.
Although Bayley has gotten the best of Cross, the two have put on solid matches. However, Bayley has used several cunning tactics to earn the victory. While it seems as if there's no story left to tell, it would be interesting to see a more determined Cross take the fight to the champ.
It's highly likely that we get to see this match one more time because there aren't any other clear challengers involved with Bayley at this time. That could change on the upcoming episode of SmackDown, with WWE introducing a new opponent ahead of SummerSlam. With a short window to build a new storyline ahead of the pay-per-view, I don't know if we will get someone new in the championship picture.
Given their past couple of matches, a third match between the two could be fairly well received. The match has been done, but a new Nikki Cross persona could add an extra layer to the story.
#4 Lacey Evans
The Sassy Southern Belle, Lacey Evans, certainly has a history with WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. The two have had previous encounters, with Bayley getting the better of Evans.
Evans hasn't been a part of the title picture since Money in the Bank and is currently feuding with Naomi. The current rivalry feels like it hasn't had much at stake yet, and a shot at the SmackDown Women's Championship could definitely spice up the current rivalry.
Could Lacey Evans defeat Bayley?
Reigniting a feud with Bayley could be a major opportunity for Evans to get back into the spotlight. Although this match happened previously, a new opponent for the current champ would be fresh and a change from the history with Nikki Cross.
Depending on how she looks in a potential victory against Naomi, Evans could present a different type of challenge this time around. On the other hand, Bayley could continue her dominance and mow through Evans like she has all of the other challengers during her current reign as champ. Another matchup between these two could be good for both competitors.
#3 Alexa Bliss
After Friday's episode of SmackDown, we saw Nikki Cross upset after losing to Bayley and taking that frustration on her friend Alexa Bliss. Shortly after, Bliss was attacked by The Fiend Bray Wyatt.
Maybe it's too early to tell what's next for Bliss, but a match against Bayley would provide a refreshing match between two of WWE's most decorated Superstars. If Bliss can escape the clutches of The Fiend, she may have an opportunity to defeat an opponent her friend could not.
Could a Bliss win against Bayley ignite a feud with Nikki Cross?
If Bliss could manage to get a shot against Bayley, that could add fuel to a potentially budding rivalry with her friend Nikki Cross. A victory against Bayley would certainly put Cross in a worse mood than she was in after her most recent loss.
For Bayley, a win against Bliss would further add to her dominance and legacy as the WWE SmackDown Women's Champion.
#2 Asuka
On the August 3rd episode of RAW, we saw Asuka challenge Sasha Banks to a match at SummerSlam, but the current RAW Women's Champion said Asuka would have to go through Bayley first. Things could get really interesting.
Obviously, if Asuka were to find a way to defeat the current SmackDown Women's Champion then Asuka would get her rematch against Banks. However, if Asuka is unable to defeat Bayley, what could happen next? It's highly likely that we get some type of interference form Banks that would allow the current champ to steal a victory.
Could Asuka defeat Bayley to take over SmackDown?
Asuka certainly has an axe to grind with Bayley, following the current champ's brutal attack on Kairi Sane. Asuka was forced to choose between continuing to fight for the RAW Women's Championship against Banks or save her friend; which she chose the latter.
With the bad blood that is brewing between Banks/Bayley and Asuka it is highly likely that the triangle feud won't end anytime soon.
#1 Naomi
A one-on-one showdown between Naomi and Bayley would be a surprise, but it would continue a bit of history the two have. Following her recent win against Lacey Evans, Naomi has seemingly found momentum.
Naomi has recently gotten a lot of support on social media. A win, coupled with the support of the WWE Universe should provide a new found spark that could translate into a title opportunity.
What would a win against Naomi do for Bayley?
Bayley matching up against Naomi could provide another established WWE Superstar to add to her list of opponents she's defeated during her current title reign. Another win for the champ would further cement her legacy and prove that she is in total control of the SmackDown Women's Division.
It's possible that Naomi would need to dispatch of Lacey Evans before entering the title picture once again. If Naomi is successful in defeating her current rival, she could stake her claim as the next challenger for a dominant champion.
