8 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown before Extreme Rules 2021: 2 stars to finally turn face for title challenge, Popular name to make in-ring return after 13 months

#6 Bianca Belair stands tall on SmackDown, but it may not be enough for Extreme Rules

SmackDown opened with a segment between Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair. In their feud up until now, it's been the SmackDown Women's Champion who has gotten the better of Belair.

This week was nothing but a war of words between the champion and the challenger. Bianca Belair reminded Becky Lynch why she shouldn't be underestimated, and cut a good promo by holding her own.

It speaks volumes of her ability when she's able to get cheered over the already-popular Becky Lynch.

The segment ended with Bianca Belair hitting the KOD on Becky Lynch and standing tall on SmackDown ahead of their title match at Extreme Rules.

It was a good and effective segment, but it essentially revealed the possibility that Becky Lynch will be retaining the SmackDown Women's Championship at Extreme Rules 2021.

It's good that the segment played out the way it did because Lynch will likely win at Extreme Rules regardless. If Bianca Belair didn't, it would have been a worse look losing to Becky Lynch.