WWE SmackDown Highlights, Grades, and Analysis For Apr. 24, 2018

Carmella, Charlotte Flair Sign Contract For SmackDown Women’s Title

Backlash 2018 is a dual-branded PPV that will take place on May 6, in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center, and it will be the first dual-branded PPV now that WWE has decided to showcase both their brands on Sunday nights.

Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss will battle for the Raw Women’s Championship, The Miz and Seth Rollins will fight over the Intercontinental Championship, Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe will have a match, and now Carmella and Charlotte Flair will sign their contract for a SmackDown Women’s Championship match.

Immediately, Carmella took major issue with the fact that Renee Young introduced Charlotte, the challenger, before the champion, Carmella, who cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase to dethrone Charlotte weeks ago. She’s already been great on the mic as a heel champion, and she continues to carry herself like she’s a big deal.

Carmella turned to the fans, upset that they didn’t give her a standing ovation for her highlight real at her #MellaBration last week, which showcased all of her accomplishments. She then said she would play the highlight reel again, but she demanded a standing ovation afterwards this time.

Not enough people gave her an ovation, so Carmella said she would play it again, much to the delight of Corey Graves and the chagrin of the fans. Though, as expected, Graves, stood up to give her a standing ovation the first time.

And yes, the WWE literally played the video package for a second time. It was short-lived, though, because Charlotte’s music hit to interrupt the highlight reel. She interrupted it at the good part, too, because the song that hits after Carmella says she’d like to thank “ME!” is too perfect.

Charlotte signed the contract after a brief tantrum from Carmella, and Flair then laid out Carmella with the table to show her that she’s still “The Queen”.

Also, Charlotte’s raven, black robe this week was tremendous. Just had to throw that in there.

Grade: A, Carmella is an impeccable heel, and she stole the show here. I love what she’s doing, and she’s made Charlotte look more like a babyface than anyone ever has.