WWE SmackDown Power Rankings: The Miz Eyes The Top Prize

6. Carmella (SmackDown Women’s Champion)

SmackDown Live used to be known as the “Land of Opportunity”, but it might need to change its name to the “Land of Great Heels”. Because Samoa Joe, Shinsuke Nakamura, and The Miz have some competition in the IIconics and Carmella, who remains the SmackDown Women’s Champion after defeating Charlotte Flair at Backlash.

Carmella’s arrogance is palpable, and her shrill annoyance makes her an easy target for fans. Even the supposedly “smart” fans on social media can’t help but tweet her stupid things, conflating fiction with reality in a way that can only be induced by a top-level heel. While Carmella may still be mediocre at best in the ring, she’s already light years ahead of most of the roster as a character performer who absolutely nails her promos. Her run as champion will be short-lived, but it’s burned brightly thus far.

5. Shinsuke Nakamura

I honestly can’t believe Shinsuke Nakamura hasn’t won the WWE Championship yet, and part of that is because he won so many big matches within his first year on the main roster. Nakamura defeated Randy Orton and John Cena cleanly last summer before eliminating Roman Reigns to become the 2018 Royal Rumble winner.

Nakamura is 0-for-3 in title opportunities against AJ Styles this year, but he looks poised to receive a fourth match at Money in the Bank after neither he nor Styles could get up to their feet after dual low-blows at Backlash. Samoa Joe will likely be in the mix for that match, leaving Nakamura’s status as a champion this spring/summer in doubt.