WWE SmackDown Rankings: Is Randy Orton a Contender Again?

Smackdown. Photo by WWE.com

Welcome to the Smackdown Rankings for the August 8 episode.

These are the power rankings for each division on Smackdown Live for this following week. Each division would be ranked based on storyline progression and win/loss record as of 2017. Also, each division would be divided by contenders and pretenders, to differentiate the challengers in their respective division. I’ll also highlight a specific superstar in each division and explain their ranking based on their actions. Win/Loss record is provided by CageMatch.Net.

Each superstar or tag team can move up or down the rankings based on victory, defeat or storyline progression. Let’s get right to the rankings.

Smackdown. Photo by WWE.com

The SmackDown Live Women’s Division

Highlights of the Division

Carmella scored the biggest win of her career when she beat Naomi on Smackdown Live. This match was a litmus test for the Money in the Bank winner and she passed with flying colors. She demonstrated to the world that she doesn’t have to beat Naomi fairly to get a big win, just needs to outsmart her. Bringing back James Ellsworth at that particular moment of the match was entertaining and just the momentum boost Carmella needs on the road to Summerslam.

Both Naomi and Natalya are both living on borrowed time at the top of the division, because both competitors know they might not walk out as champion at Summerslam. Natalya has been the torch-bearer of the Women’s Division for many years and never got the due respect she deserved. Having her beat Naomi at Summerslam for the title would be a crowning achievement in her illustrious career, but if Carmella cashes in her Money in the Bank briefcase after the match—that moment can turn Natalya into the biggest babyface in the division.   

Meanwhile, for the Rest of the Division

Charlotte picked up an easy win over Lana and handed her another loss to her record. Lana has lost 6 straight matches since debuting on Smackdown back in June. Her partnership with Tamina might be the only thing that’s keeping her relevant in the division. She’ll need to pick up a win very soon or else she’ll be considered the jobber of the division—which will damage her credibility in the long run.

Let’s see the rankings for the division this week.

SmackDown Live Women’s Champion: Naomi (10 Wins – 6 Losses)

Contenders

• No. 1 Contender: Natalya (7 Wins – 8 Losses)
• Contender No. 2: Carmella (11 Wins – 4 Losses) (MITB Winner)
• Contender No. 3: Becky Lynch (10 Wins – 12 Losses)
• Contender No. 4: Charlotte (9 Wins – 14 Losses)

Pretenders

• Pretender No. 1: Nikki Bella (3 Wins – 1 Loss)
• Pretender No. 2: Tamina Snuka (3 Wins – 4 Losses)
• Pretender No. 3: Lana (0 Wins – 6 Losses)