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Top 5 SmackDown Women's Champions so far

Becky Lynch was the first to win the SmackDown Women's Championship
Becky Lynch was the first to win the SmackDown Women's Championship

In 2016, there was only one women's title in WWE. When champion Charlotte Flair was drafted to RAW in the reintroduction of the brand split, the title became exclusive to the red brand. After SummerSlam, the SmackDown Women's Championship was born.

It was unveiled by Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan, who were SmackDown commissioner and general manager respectively at the time. The pair announced that a six-pack elimination challenge would determine the inaugural champion at the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view.

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3 years ago I won my first title and felt like apologising for it. Since then I stood up, grown up, straightened my spine and changed this whole damn business. And I apologise to no-one for it.

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The women who faced off against one another for the title were Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Bella, Naomi, Natalya and eventual winner Becky Lynch. Many women have held the SmackDown Women's Champion over the past four years, and here are the top five holders so far.


#5 Smackdown's Carmella

Carmella won the SmackDown Women's Championship in 2018
Carmella won the SmackDown Women's Championship in 2018

In 2017, Carmella became the inaugural Miss Money in the Bank, helped by James Ellsworth. Carmella held onto her Money in the Bank contract for a record-breaking 287 days, before cashing in on SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair following a beating from The IIconics.

Carmella had an entertaining reign and was involved in some great matches. She managed to defend the championship against Charlotte at Backlash 2018, followed by successful defences against Asuka at both Money in the Bank and Extreme Rules.

At the time, Carmella was performing under more of a heel persona and often resorted to underhanded tactics and back-up from Ellsworth to keep hold of the belt.

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Happy #summerslam 🖤💕

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After an eventful 131-day reign, Carmella lost the title to Charlotte at SummerSlam in a triple threat match between the pair and Becky Lynch. The match was decided after both Flair and Lynch defeated Carmella on separate occasions.

Carmella is currently absent from WWE television, but maybe she could contend for the SmackDown Women's Champion again upon her return?

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