What’s the story?
On the latest episode of SmackDown Live, Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi returned to the show to announce her entry into the Women’s Championship match.
She will join Natalya, Carmella, Mickie James, Becky Lynch, and the Champion Alexa Bliss on the WrestleMania kickoff show as they fight for the Championship.
In case you didn’t know...
Naomi won the SmackDown Women’s Championship by defeating Alexa Bliss at the SmackDown exclusive pay-per-view, Elimination Chamber. However, her first Championship reign would come to an end when she relinquished the title on SmackDown, owing to an injury.
After the title was relinquished, SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan booked a Championship match between Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch, which was won by Bliss; marking her second Championship in the WWE.
A few weeks later, Bryan informed Bliss that she would be defending the Championship at WrestleMania against every available wrestler in the SmackDown Women’s division.
The heart of the matter
Many fans thought that Naomi’s knee injury was severe enough to keep her out of WrestleMania in her home town. Her addition to the bout now means that six women will compete for the Championship on the WrestleMania pre-show.
Other possibilities are Tamina, who has been cleared to return to TV and Eva Marie who has yet to return to TV, following her wellness policy suspension. Rumour has it that Eva Marie may be done with the WWE, so she isn’t likely to compete.
The fact the WWE chose to formally announce this could be interpreted in several different ways. It could’ve been done to get more fans to tune into the pre-show or it could imply that Naomi will be winning the belt.
What’s next?
Tune into the WrestleMania kickoff show on 5 P.M. EST/2 P.M. PST to see who will walk out of Camping World Stadium as the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Author’s take
Naomi returning to the ring is great news, but this probably could’ve made for a better surprise rather than a formal announcement.
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