WWE SmackDown Grades: Phenomenal Mind Games By AJ Styles
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4. Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya
Arguably the most anticipated one-on-one women’s match in WrestleMania history will take place Sunday when Charlotte Flair defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Asuka. Last night’s SmackDown gave Charlotte a nice tune-up match when she battled Natalya.
The two have proven they have good chemistry together and that trend continued last night. It was a solid back and forth encounter and saw quite a bit of in-ring psychology with Natalya looking impressive throughout much of the match. But The Queen would get things turned around towards the end.
Charlotte and Natalya were both laying in the middle of the ring when Carmella’s music hit. She once again teased she was going to cash in her Money in the Bank opportunity, but Charlotte kicked the briefcase out of her hands and then took her out as she has done in another recent attempt as well. And once that confusion cleared, Charlotte finished off Natalya by making her tap out.
The Queen stood tall, but then Asuka made her entrance to the ring to square off with her opponent on Sunday. The two cut a brief promo and had a stare-off to help further their feud heading into WrestleMania 34. But as far as Charlotte vs. Natalya itself goes, it was a very solid match that gives Charlotte needed momentum heading into Sunday with a chance to end Asuka’s two and a half year long undefeated streak.
WrestleMania 34 will see Charlotte’s biggest match to date, but last night’s match with Natalya accomplished everything it needed to do.