A royal betrayal; huge return - 4 Things that could happen during Nia Jax's WWE Women's Title celebration on SmackDown
Both Nia Jax and former WWE Women's Champion Bayley did not appear on the first episode of SmackDown following SummerSlam. Instead, Tiffany Stratton planned a Women's Title celebration for the 2024 Queen of the Ring.
It was a bit strange that neither of the competitors appeared on the show immediately after the big premium live event. Nonetheless, the stage was set for something big to happen on the ensuing episode of SmackDown.
Will Bayley appear and crash Jax's big moment? Could something different be in the cards for the new Champion? The next four things could happen during Nia Jax's Championship Celebration on SmackDown.
#4. Bayley angles for a rematch
As previously mentioned, both Bayley and new Champion Nia Jax were absent from the last episode of SmackDown. It's a strange move since there was a big title change at the show.
When Champions lose, they always ask for or usually get a rematch. Kevin Owens mocked that practice, but Sami Zayn is getting another match with Bron Breakker on RAW after losing his Intercontinental title.
It would be logical for Bayley to interrupt and demand a rematch. She's done enough for the company to grant her such a request. As a heel champion, Nia Jax would probably decline or make her jump through hoops to get one.
#3. Nia Jax could blast Tiffany Stratton as a pre-emptive strike
Nia Jax has been in WWE for over eight years. She has seen and done a lot and knows how the industry works. Tiffany Stratton is only a few years into her wrestling career but has obviously impressed in that time.
Any champion is fair game as long as the Money in the Bank briefcase is in play. Even if Stratton claims to be Nia's friend, she's still her friend with a very important title shot.
To stave off any doubt or betrayal, The Queen of the Ring might decide to take Tiffy out before she has a chance to think about cashing in her contract. It would keep Nia Jax as the heel and give some sympathy for Stratton. It would make her high-pitched voice more tolerable.
#2. A different challenger emerges for the WWE Women's title
While The Role Model should receive a rematch, that may not happen. She might not return right away and could come back to regain her title in a few weeks. It would allow Jax to battle a new opponent and potentially a star returning to action.
The obvious challengers would be Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, but Belair was in the title picture until earlier this year. Since then, she's been used in the Women's Tag Team title division. Two other notable stars could emerge - Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.
Jax won her first title from Bliss after the latter betrayed her. WWE can't figure out what to do with Flair outside of title programs, and she always pops up when a new Champion is crowned, or one has a celebration.
This happened with Asuka in the spring of 2023 and Ronda Rousey at the end of 2023. Flair returning would be fine as long as she doesn't immediately win the title. Fans would also cheer for her over Nia Jax.
#1. Tiffany Stratton cashes in her Money in the Bank beirfcase
Stratton planned Jax's Championship Celebration on SmackDown. Pretty Deadly approached her backstage, but she claimed she was too busy to deal with anything else. Since she's planning the festivities, she'll be in the ring during the celebration.
That would be a perfect opportunity to cash in her contract. Bayley could blindside the new Champ, leaving her vulnerable. Someone else could attack Jax, leaving an opening for Stratton.
The Center Of The Universe will be front and center for the celebration, so she may not be able to resist that spotlight. She's already tried to cash in with Nia present a few times, so it wouldn't be a shock if she does so during Jax's moment.