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Bayley is the longest-reigning WWE SmackDown Women's Champion so far, having won the title 347 days ago. The Role Model's title reign has not been without its big moments though, ahead of her latest defence at Clash of Champions. She has kept the title through dubious means, including involving her former friend Sasha Banks in matches and cheating to win.
Nikki Cross has faced Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship previously, but the dynamic is different now. Bayley is now on her own at Clash of Champions after attacking Banks. Meanwhile, Cross and Alexa Bliss' friendship is also in turmoil due to The Fiend.
On the go-home episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Cross was nowhere to be seen but Bayley made an appearance to verbally berate her rival. She, of course, also used to opportunity to get in a few digs about Banks.
There are many creative directions that WWE could take with this battle. Have a read of five possible finishes for the SmackDown Women's Championship match at Clash of Champions.
#5 Alexa Bliss helps Nikki Cross win at Clash of Champions
The relationship between Nikki Cross and her best friend Alexa Bliss has been tested somewhat over the past few weeks on Friday Night SmackDown. Since her encounter with The Fiend, Bliss has fallen under the spell of the mysterious entity. This has caused her to snap back and forth between being her usual self and in a strange, trance-like state.
Cross has been determined to get her best friend back. Is there a possibility that Bliss will appear at Clash of Champions to help Cross win the SmackDown Women's Championship?
Bliss could channel her rage into helping Cross become the new champion. However, Bliss' actions could have ulterior motives, potentially leading to a title feud between the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
#4 Nikki Cross wins clean at Clash of Champions
Nikki Cross has been a big part of the Friday Night SmackDown women's division since her move to the roster and partnership with Alexa Bliss. She has already faced Bayley previously in a handful of shots at the title. However, has often been met with interference from Sasha Banks, preventing her from lifting the championship. Things are different at Clash of Champions.
In the No. 1 contender's match for a shot at the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at Clash of Champions, Cross beat Bliss, Lacey Evans and Tamina. That was despite the odds being stacked against her. Bayley attacked Cross with a steel chair midway through her entrance and then during the match, Bliss hit her with the Sister Abigail.
Cross coming out on top in spite of the obstacles in her path shows that she is more than capable of becoming the SmackDown Women's Champion. After having impactful reigns with Bliss as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Cross seems more than ready to win a solo title from the villainous Bayley.
#3 Sasha Banks costs Bayley at Clash of Champions
Following Bayley's bitter attack on Sasha Banks, after they lost a rematch for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, the pair have been at each other's throats. Bayley had admitted to using her supposed best friend all along, just to be a double champion. The cracks in the pair's relationship had been showing for a while, but only came to a head ahead of Clash of Champions.
The rivalry between Bayley and Banks has the potential to be one of the biggest that WWE has seen in recent years. In Bayley's recent promos, she seems just as focused on Banks as she is on her Clash of Champions opponent, Nikki Cross.
The pair seem hellbent on inflicting pain on one another. Banks has verbally attacked Bayley in cutting promos and it seems as though she is wanting to sabotage her reign as WWE SmackDown Women's Champion. Could this development in their relationship lead to interference from The Legit Boss?
#2 Bayley retains at Clash of Champions
Bayley is going into Clash of Champions confident. During her title reign, she has defeated Lacey Evans, Naomi and Tamina to remain the WWE SmackDown Women's Champion. Her Clash of Champions opponent, Nikki Cross is somebody that she has already faced and defeated.
Although Bayley has often resorted to cheating in her matches, she is a strong and dominant member of the WWE women's division. Bayley has also been ruthless in her actions, desperate to keep hold of the SmackDown Women's Championship.
As aforementioned, Bayley appears to be more focused on Sasha Banks than Cross. This could be a sign that she will keep the SmackDown Women's Championship at Clash of Champions this weekend. Then, the title feud between her and Banks will truly begin.
Even when the pair were allies, Banks was often seen eyeing up the SmackDown Women's Championship. On some occasions, she even wore the belt around her waist when Bayley was defending it.
#1 Alexa Bliss costs Nikki Cross at Clash of Champions
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross have been friends for a while and stuck together in the face of other stars claiming that the former was just using the latter. The pair have also been two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. As Cross prepares to face Bayley once more at Clash of Champions, could Bliss appear and ruin her chances of winning her first singles championship?
Bliss has claimed on Friday Night SmackDown that she is still best friends with Cross, however, her actions have told a different story. Bliss attacked Cross with a Sister Abigail and left during the No. 1 contender's matchp. She has also previously snapped at her, smashing her mug after Cross made comments on her new hairstyle.
Bliss is fixated on the Fiend and snaps into a scary, somewhat manic state on the mention of his name. If someone mentions The Fiend on Sunday at Clash of Champions, it could certainly spell trouble for Nikki Cross.
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