The Diva vs The Wrestler vs The Winner
By Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt)
August 17, 2018
Oppose to the article posted a couple weeks ago, I figured it would be better to take a different kind of look at the SmackDown Women's Championship match. Instead of whining about Charlotte being added to the match, its better to realize that the Women's Title will be in talented hands regardless of what happens at SummerSlam.
Whether you were upset that Charlotte Flair was added to the championship match or you don't give two turds, we all know she always adds a considerable amount of excitement to whatever she's involved in. She is the kin of Ric Flair after all and is one of the few women on the roster that always has a firm backing from the WWE Universe. Just listen for all of the "Woooo"-s shouted every time she graces us with her golden locks.
Charlotte has the ability to bring a legitimate feel to the Women's Championship match (not that Becky Lynch doesn't). That's why adding her makes sense. We all immediately began wondering how long she would hold onto it this time instead of if she could. Throw any other superstar into this match, including the likes of Asuka, and Carmella becomes the favorite.
You have to admit that Charlotte Flair hasn't shamed herself or the title in any of her stints. Sure, her promo cadence begs for improvement (with her long, drawn out speech rhythms), but her championship matches always include new additions to her in ring repertoire, along with a strong ability to garner glee or hate as a face or heel.
Storyline wise, Charlotte is also due another shot at getting her title back. With written in absences from television and losing her title because of the Money in the Bank briefcase, Charlotte deserves one more shot at Carmella. Not just to get that title back, but to teach the diva a lesson. She'd also be a perfect representative for Evolution as the SmackDown title holder. She's done so much to bring respect to this division, so maybe she's owed this opportunity?
Charlotte makes sense and we know she won't hurt the title, but there is also the possibility that the title doesn't change hands. Is Carmella going to continue her strategic dominance over the roster? Trust me on this: it would be a good thing, if done right.
Carmella gets hate and folks think shes a terrible wrestler, but they are sooooo wrong. She has proven to us that she's got enough talent in the ring to last with Charlotte and Asuka. And more important than her move-set is her ability to make getting hit look like it hurts. It works great with her snotty character because we won't ask her to pull off amazing jumps, dramtatic stunts or tests of strength. She primarily needs to get her butt kicked. That's why her in-ring talents gel so well with her snotty attitude.
That snotty attitude has now gone a step further as she is now being billed as 'the Diva'. She is born to be a heel and it seems like every step they have taken with Carmella (building her up as a heel champion) has been a home run. It doesn't hurt to have a heel that you hate and man oh man...how strong could that hate be if she walks away from Charlotte AND Becky as Champion.
I get that some fans think it is demeaning to have a "Diva" hold onto the title in this era of women's wrestling. But its actually genius. Because of her attitude she holds that persona as the bad girl. We are being taught that the 'bad guy/girl' is a spoiled brat. Sure, she has the title now, but we all know she's going to get her's. One day she's going to be caught by a rival and they are going to deal out the damage that we're all craving and praying for. One day someone will provide the punishment that is a fitting consequence to being a spoiled brat. But for us to really appreciate that punishment, Carmella has to be a champion and has to beat the best.
Obviously, Carmella has already done that. It happened when she cashed in the Money in the Bank and pinned Charlotte. So, is it mission accomplished? Or is there a more intriguing road that leads creating a 'mega heel) and crowning a more fitting champion at Evolution? Because for every month she is champion and for every great wrestler she takes down, Carmella builds even more hate and our desire to see her fall, grows with it. It could mean that, at Evolution, the talented wrestler takes down the bratty Diva in pure, metaphorical bliss!
I feel like I make a good argument for Carmella, but the Irish Lass Kicker would beg to differ.
Becky Lynch, right now, is the one who is getting the most fan support and don't forget...this is SummerSlam that we're talking about. So as my brother has mentioned on multiple occasions, the fans are the focus in a majority of SummerSlam main events. Becky winning the title would feel like a resolution to a year long chase and a nod to her charming love of quinoa, that she turned into a campaign to build her own brand.
While Charlotte would be a great champion heading into Evolution, I think Becky's patience and hard work during her mid-card days represents a closer parallel to the struggle of the women's division. Becky walking into Evolution with the title personifies that struggle, but also the triumph of the women's division. Being able to overcome adversity. Being able get fan support despite creative decisions. Being able to be yourself and win people over. She is one of the most talented in the ring and she is one of the most sincere speakers we have the privilege of listening to. You can't lose here.
Like I said before, I think all three of these ladies could lay claim to this title and we (the WWE Universe) would benefit from it. Charlotte is Charlotte. You get a true, pedigreed champion if she wins. Carmella could represent the evil that needs to be destroyed at Evolution. And Becky could be the hero we want and a wonderful ambassador for Evolution and the Women's division.
Boom!
For fun: Who do I think is gonna win? Becky Lynch. But...this was more fun to write.
We are fully booked booked for SummerSlam! I am loving this card. If you haven't made plans yet, don't forget to be on your couch on August 19th for the biggest show of the summer! Catch up with the Brothers of Discussion Analysis of every match here on BODPodcast.com
Carmella vs Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship
Ronda Rousey vs Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship
AJ Styles vs Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship
Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Title
Dolph Ziggler vs Seth Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Jeff Hardy for the United States Championship
Braun Strowman vs Kevin Owens for the MITB Briefcase
The Bludgeon Brothers vs the New Day for the SmackDown Tag Titles
The B-Team vs The Revival for the Raw Tag Titles
Baron Corbin vs Finn Balor
Daniel Bryan vs The Miz
Rusev and Lana vs Andrade "Cien" Almas and Zelina Vega
Sunday, August 19th, 7PM EST
Listen, Subscribe and Review the Podcast on SoundCloud and iTunes! Thank you!