WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for March 14

Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James

Result: Mickie James wins via pinfall

Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

Following her surprising betrayal last week, Mickie James made it clear she wanted a shot at the Women’s Championship. Now that she has been granted that request, her next course of business was to face her former friend. For Alexa Bliss, tonight presented her an opportunity to prove she didn’t need James to remain champion.

During the beginning portion of the contest, the two women were aggressive, a result of the bad blood between them. Bliss would use her anger to her advantage, gaining an edge on the former women’s champion. James would try to get into the contest later on, but her young competitor kept avoiding her comeback. However the resiliency of James allowed her to stay in the fight, and a Mick Kick earned her the victory.

As a result of Naomi’s untimely injury, the implosion of these two women was rushed. Because of this, their match tonight didn’t have the level of interest one would expect. Had Naomi never been injured, Bliss and James could’ve waited until WrestleMania to forgo their friendship. Regardless, their match tonight involved impressive performances by both competitors. Come WrestleMania, my money is on Bliss retaining her championship.

Shifting to the parking lot once again, Styles was interviewed by Renee Young. Still angry over not having a match at WrestleMania, he assaulted an arriving Shane McMahon. The Phenomenal One would slam Shane headfirst into a car window before leaving the scene.