WWE Stock Watch: Baron Corbin Continues to Roll

3. Rising: Natalya

This is an optimistic and tentative statement, but it looks like Natalya’s stock is finally on the rise. After an engaging program with Nikki Bella that included a cool “Falls Count Anywhere” match, it seemed like Natalya was in limbo again. One of the finest in-ring workers in the women’s division, Nattie has plenty of experience, and she seems like the right person to lead this four-person stable in the women’s division.

Natalya, Carmella, Tamina Snuka, and James Ellsworth laid waste to Charlotte Flair and Naomi in their championship match. It’s anyone’s guess as to what the endgame is here in the women’s division, and it will be even more interesting to see Charlotte’s alignment. Which side will Becky Lynch choose? What matches will branch out from here? Will Naomi and Charlotte be able to have a match that is not interfered with at Backlash?

There’s a lot of chance to build something here, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Natalya gets a chance to hold the SmackDown Women’s Championship once. She hasn’t done so to this point, and she hasn’t been in the championship picture. This stable could be a chance for her to enter that picture, and that could tease tension with jealous members of the stable before their group eventually breaks up.

But that’s in the long term. In the short term, I’m glad Natalya has an actual angle to work with on SmackDown Live, because, since the brand split, her feud with Nikki Bella has been the only real highlight.