5 things WWE SmackDown got right before Money in the Bank: Roman Reigns taps out; Finn Balor returns

#4 Bianca Belair retained her WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship

PURE POWER!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/7cyASInH9D

— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2021

Bianca Belair became the first WWE Superstar to defend her title after the return of fans on SmackDown. She was supposed to face Bayley at WWE Money in the Bank for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, but an injury to her opponent forced a change of plan.

Belair took on Carmella on SmackDown to defend her title. The EST used her strength to control the bout early before Carmella made a comeback.

The action went to-and-fro before Carmella delivered a hurricanrana followed by a guillotine choke. She nearly pinned the SmackDown Women’s Champion before Belair made a comeback.

The EST used her ponytail to whip her challenger before delivering the KOD for the win. It was a good match that allowed Belair to have another big moment. She is one of the finest female superstars in WWE today.

#AndStill@BiancaBelairWWE retains the #SmackDown #WomensTitle in front of the @WWEUniverse. pic.twitter.com/Z0NRPz5iRg

— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2021

SmackDown now needs to invest more in the women’s roster and build a better rivalry between Belair and her future challenger post-Money in the Bank. Bayley’s injury has affected the company’s plans, but Sasha Banks’ return could help strengthen the women’s division.