WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Changes Hands at SmackDown

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship witnessed an unexpected shift during ‘Friday Night SmackDown.’ Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid, known as Fatal Influence, entered the event as champions, ready to defend their titles against Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley. However, the absence of Flair, due to a backstage attack by Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab, altered plans significantly.

Despite Flair’s inability to compete, Alexa Bliss stepped into the match, pairing with Paxley in a last-minute team-up. The match unfolded with Henley and Reid seemingly poised to retain their titles through questionable tactics. Henley had Paxley pinned, using the ropes and Reid for extra leverage. The referee caught and admonished them before completing the count.

With Reid distracted, Bliss seized the opportunity to execute the Sister Abigail maneuver outside the ring. This provided Paxley the chance to strike Henley with Cemetery Drive and secure the pinfall victory. The celebration belonged to Paxley and Bliss, leaving Henley and Reid stunned by the loss.

Henley and Reid’s championship reign concluded after 83 days, which had begun following their triumph over Brie Bella and Paige at Saturday Night’s Main Event in July.

The victory marks Paxley’s inaugural title win on WWE’s main roster, though she boasts a decorated history with the NXT Women’s Championship, North American Championship, and Tag Team Championship during her NXT tenure. Paxley made her SmackDown debut in August, assisting Bliss and Flair during an attack by Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab.

For Bliss, this victory signals her fifth tag team championship, having previously held the title alongside Flair, Asuka, and former WWE member Nikki Cross.