The highly anticipated grudge match, which marked the first time the two former champions battled one-on-one in more than a decade, concluded in just under three and a half minutes when Nikki Bella capitalized on a tactical opening to steal the pinfall.
The brief encounter highlights the escalating animosity within the women’s division following a series of personal betrayals.
A Bitter Rivalry Boils Over
The tension between the two WWE Hall of Famers traces back to WWE SummerSlam on August 1, where The Bella Twins blindsided Paige following a six-woman tag team loss to the stable Fatal Influence. In successive weeks, Nikki Bella publicly blamed Paige for an injury sustained by her twin sister, Brie Bella, while launching multiple sneak attacks on her former ally.
According to official WWE programming, a heated backstage confrontation earlier in the month set the stage for this international showdown. Paige criticized Nikki's motivations, while Nikki claimed her trust had been compromised, further fueling the personal stakes of the contest.
Quick Finish Impacts the Women’s Division
Despite the intense buildup, the match itself was short-lived. Paige initially attempted to use her signature aggressive offense to neutralize her opponent, but Nikki Bella managed to sneak a victory in approximately three minutes, drawing heavy reactions from the live crowd in Mexico City.
The result leaves open questions regarding what lies ahead for both competitors. While Nikki Bella walks away with a critical victory on the blue brand, fans online immediately disputed the referee’s officiating during the final sequence.
What Happens Next
With the fallout of the September 11 event still settling, it remains unclear whether Paige will demand an immediate rematch or if the dispute will expand to include a returning Brie Bella. Neither competitor has issued a formal statement on social media following the broadcast. WWE is expected to announce the next steps for both superstars on upcoming episodes of Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network.
0 Comments