WWE SmackDown Rankings: Can Charlotte Flair Win the Gold?
By Warsame A
![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f0fc7249f1b461e5c4bef4c60b69c12e68091a347f71ce510881190a716ae044.jpg)
Welcome to the WWE SmackDown Division Rankings for the Sep. 19 episode. Charlotte Flair made her SmackDown return and became the No. 1 contender for the Women’s Championship.
These are the WWE SmackDown Live rankings for each division 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
A fatal 4-way match to determine who would face Natalya at Hell in a Cell was the main event of SmackDown Live. It was fitting to have the returning Charlotte grab the win and be on that championship path once again. Since July, the title picture has been dominated by Naomi, Natalya and Carmella. Charlotte knows what it’s like since she dominated the title picture on Raw till she was traded to SmackDown Live. The crowd support for her is at an all time high since she was away for weeks tending to Ric Flair. It wouldn’t be surprising if the WWE does book Charlotte to win the title at the pay per view to capitalize on it.
Carmella was absent this week on SmackDown Live, which was probably for the best. The WWE has done a horrible job for months to solidify Carmella as one of the cornerstones of the blue brand. They have made her attempted cash-ins with the briefcase look like a fool’s errand. She could have been playing a similar role that Kevin Owens is portraying right now, antagonizing the SmackDown Live management. There was a window that was open back in July where this angle could have been played out. Especially if the WWE wanted to keep Carmella out of the title picture.
So what’s next for Naomi and Becky Lynch? Since they are out of the title picture they can be used in the storyline involving Tamina and her rise to the top. Tamina is the last superstar in the division who has yet gotten any title matches on SmackDown Live. Beating former champions like Naomi and Becky Lynch will solidify her as the next perennial contender for the Women’s Championship.
Let’s see the rankings for the division this week.
Smackdown Live Women’s Champion: Natalya (11 Wins – 9 Losses)
Contenders
- No. 1 Contender: Charlotte (10 Wins – 14 Losses)
- Contender No. 2: Naomi (11 Wins – 9 Losses)
- Contender No. 3: Carmella (11 Wins – 6 Losses) (MITB Winner)
- Contender No. 4: Becky Lynch (11 Wins – 14 Losses)
Pretenders
- Pretender No. 1: Tamina Snuka (4 Wins – 5 Losses)
- Pretender No. 2: Lana (0 Wins – 6 Losses)
- Pretender No. 3: Maria Kanellis (N/A)