3 reasons why SmackDown women's feud did not make it to the WWE SummerSlam match card
WWE SmackDown aired last night on the FOX Network, and it was quite the spectacle. Tag team wrestling took over the bulk of the episode, with a Gauntlet Match and a tag team main event taking up much of the television time.
That wasn't it for tag team wrestling on the show, however. The reigning Women's Tag Team Champions, Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre had a segment with Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill where things got physical in a hurry.
As a result of that segment, it was announced that the two teams would clash with the title on the line. What caught some fans by surprise, however, is that it will be on SmackDown next week and not SummerSlam.
Some on social media were disappointed by the news and couldn't quite make heads or tails of the decision. This article will take a look at a handful of reasons why the Women's Tag Team Title match isn't booked on SummerSlam, including why it may be a red herring.
Below are three reasons why the SmackDown women's feud did not make it to the WWE SummerSlam match card.
#3. The card may have too many matches already
The WWE SummerSlam lineup looks like it'll deliver. In total, there are seven matches booked for the event. This includes Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa, Damian Priest vs. Gunther, Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan, and Bayley vs. Nia Jax.
Beyond those world title matches, CM Punk will take on Drew McIntyre, LA Knight will clash with Logan Paul, and Sami Zayn will go one-on-one with Bron Breakker. This is much more than the standard premium live event WWE typically puts on in 2024.
Most of these shows have about five matches, although they can range from four to six bouts in total. Seven is already higher than that, which could be the reason why the Women's Tag Team Championship match isn't booked. If seven matches are too many for a show, typically adding another bout is something Triple H might not want to do.
#2. The WWE Women's Tag Team Title could be defended at Bash in Berlin
Triple H is head of creative in WWE and has been ever since Vince McMahon was removed from the picture. The Game has brought a lot of success to the promotion, and while not everything is perfect, it is safe to say his batting average is quite high.
With that being said, Triple H has a style of booking even dating back to NXT, but especially on the main roster. He has numerous stories cooking at once, but not every story will be on one specific premium live event. Instead, he will book some feuds so they have more time to organically grow and thus be added to the next big show.
In this case, the next big premium live event following SummerSlam is Bash in Berlin, the promotion's first major PLE from Germany. That event will need some big matches with quality builds. There is a chance that this Women's Tag Team Championship bout is being withheld for that show.
#1. The advertised match could be a red herring, and a Women's Tag Team Title match could still be added
The other possible explanation for this match being booked for WWE Friday Night SmackDown instead of SummerSlam is that it could be a red herring. Their match on the upcoming show could end in chaos and thus be moved to the following night.
For example, Blair Davenport has been spotted with The Unholy Union and has issues with Bianca and Jade's good friend Naomi. Blair could potentially interfere on SmackDown, and this chaos could lead to a rematch the next night.
Alternatively, Sonya Deville, Zoey Stark, and Shayna Baszler are taking over WWE RAW as a new stable and have issues with the champions. Zoey and Shayna could show up to SmackDown and interfere, and it could lead to a three-team bout the next night.
While a Women's Tag Team Championship match being added to the card at the last minute isn't the most likely option, it is certainly possible. A match added at the last minute could add extra intrigue to the show.