GLITTER & SLAM: AFTERGLOW

In this edition of Glitter and Slam we examine the power of social media and other factors in Naomi's championship win and how the women of Smackdown are firing on all cylinders as RAW narrows its focus on one blockbuster feud.

GLOWING FOR GOLD

(Once part of the crowd, Naomi is now front and center. Source: DivaDeluxeX Tumblr)

Naomi surprised many by emerging victorious in her title match with the blue brand's resident bitch goddess Alexa Bliss. The new champ turned face as the brand split became reality and even without a storyline, she turned heads and compelled fans to pay attention. Her high energy, athletic move set and neon-infused entrance made that a certainty. Smackdown Live women were all booked for maximum exposure in whatever time was allotted to a given superstar. She last fought for the title at Backlash in the six-pack elimination challenge that crowned Becky Lynch, but garnered much fan love in the process. She wasn't as flashy on the mic as some of her peers and occasionally it looked like her timing was a little behind her athletic ability on some high spots, fans on Twitter and other social media steadily rallied for more of the Glow. They embraced her drive, genuineness and making the most of her opportunities.

(One look at her Twitter feed showed fan appreciation usually reserved for female talents with major pushes already in place. Source: @NaomiWWE Twitter)

Indications after Naomi's return to television demonstrated this was the first push WWE accelerated for the women’s' division based mainly social media adoration. While this an intriguing glimpse into using feedback beyond television ratings or current merchandise sales, other factors come into obvious play in Naomi's coronation.

She is from Orlando, the site of this year's WrestleMania and a hometown talent coming down the ramp living out the American dream with championship gold or in pursuit of it has always been too good to pass up for WWE and has been a common practice in pro wrestling for decades. Also, February is Black History Month and that is another obvious opportunity to showcase a woman of color as a world champion. The cynical side of this alignment of events is that her reign could end up brushed aside in the too-near future as a result of tokenism and a quick cash-in on timing.

WWE has not had a very good track record in its treatment of African-American talent over the years. The Rock's Hawaiian/Samoan heritage has been celebrated while overshadowing that he is the son of Rocky Johnson, one of the most popular black wrestlers of the 1980's. Both big pushes Rusev has received started with him essentially beating down every black talent on the roster before moving to his US championship reigns. These are just two examples. On the bright side, WWE has made huge strides in its treatment of female wrestlers across the board, and since Daniel Bryan's ascent in 2014, the company has shown genuine willingness to think outside its own box on everything from size to look or gender.

Also race did not appear to be an issue on Raw with Sasha Banks with roster injuries and other more pragmatic concerns emerging during her rivalry with Charlotte Flair. Guarded optimism is the order of the day with Naomi as she has the best chance at a fair shake to make good on her coronation.

(Little Miss Bliss gave her dastardly all before Naomi eventually claimed victory. Source: WWE.com)

Beyond the entertainment end, Naomi had her best match since the brand split in her victory. Prior to Elimination Chamber, she tended to mistime some high spots using the ropes, most notably in the inaugural Smackdown title match at Backlash. This time, fans were treated to her usual high energy impact style, but non-springboard moves from the ropes were less frequent. She was able to play to her strengths and show why fans are behind her while minimizing situations that show what she needs to work on in the ring. Alexa Bliss deserves credit as well for showing why she earned the nickname Five Feet of Fury. She is still the top heel and best mic worker among the women as she gradually continues to elevate her ring game. Whatever the future brings Naomi/Bliss is another exciting booking option in a robust division where everyone has something to do.

MAD SKILLS, STIFF HITS AND BATTLES FOR RESPECT

(Take notes in the back. Mickie James helps Becky Lynch painfully meet the canvas as past and present demand respect from each other. Source: WWE.com)

The brand's resident ring general Becky Lynch is out of the title picture for now, showcased in a great rivalry with the veteran talent Mickie James. In an era where some jaded fans can't care about a feud that doesn't involve gold, this pair is making two women demanding respect from each other a stage showcasing great wrestling. So far they have put on two wrestling clinics for the ladies in the back – first in a Lynch victory at Elimination Chamber, then keeping the ball rolling as James used her guile to score the "W" the following Tuesday on Smackdown Live. As this grudge continues to unfold, the women have a third feud that's bringing stiff hits and compelling hostility between Nikki Bella and Natalya.

(Whether on the ground or in the air, backstage or in the squared circle, Nikki and Nattie simply want to beat the hell out of each other. Source: WWE.com)

Nikki Bella was once symbolic of everything wrong with WWE's booking of women. Natalya was wasted for years in bad angles ranging from stupid to outright insulting. Recently, however, Nikki has found relevance in this new era and Natalya has been a prominent part of every episode of Smackdown. Sure, we all saw it coming when Natalya was the culprit in the "Who Bonked Nikki on the Head before Survivor Series" mystery and sometimes the Queen of Black Hearts had to overshadow some really corny stuff with her trademark skill in the ring, but its culminating in a fun blood feud right now. It's amazingly simple. Nattie hates Nikki for taking a spotlight she feels she deserves and from the personal to the pugilistic, it’s all about two women who want to beat the hell out of each other. The stage is set for an interesting Falls Count Anywhere match this coming Tuesday night.

The only woman not embroiled in a war on the canvas is Carmella, who keeps finding ways to stay on TV beyond her occasional matches with enhancement talents. The Princess of Staten Island has been showcased jerking James Ellsworth's chain, taking great delight in watching him bend over backwards for affections that only the audience and Carmella know will never come. In hours with a stacked roster including the likes of AJ Styles, John Cena and more, WWE can find something for everyone in the women's division to do in two hours. The booking of the 3-hour Raw is a different story.

IT'S (MOSTLY) ABOUT BAYLEY

(Star power and compelling in-ring storytelling has covered up the gaping holes in a thin women's roster for Team Red. Source: WWE.com)

As expected, Charlotte retained her title at the Royal Rumble as she and Bayley had a trademark solid match. They would follow that up with a rematch on the most recent Raw. No particular reason was ever given as to why Bayley would get another shot so soon – other than the obvious lack of depth in the back.

Sasha Banks is in the middle of her gradual heel turn, Alicia Fox has been relegated to arm candy for Noam Dar and Paige is still out recovering from a neck injury. Emma finally returned, then promptly left as 17 weeks of Emmalina buildup ended in less than five minutes with her leaving as simply Emma once again.

This one is a head scratcher as dirt sheets reports indicate a belief – whether by the company, Emma, or both--that Emmalina simply was not going to work. How creative could bungle her return on this scale is astounding. She was a solid heel upon her return from NXT and subtle shift in her grittier persona could have made her an excellent baby face if needed upon her comeback. The creative team simply dropped the ball. Moreover, the major players among RAW's women are all shoehorned into the same feud.

Sasha Banks demonstrated her outstanding professionalism and selling in getting Nia Jax over and one big step closer to becoming the rampaging beast she was meant to be. After two sound thumpings of a kayfabe injured Boss, she was nowhere to be found during the big title fracas that main evented Raw. If WWE really wants the Bossbreaker to become a major player, she needs to be more than a rampaging plot device.

(It's a weapon! It's a metaphor! It's both! After knocking out Dana Brooke, Sasha Banks puts the screws to her biggest rival and gets her best friend championship gold.)

Fortunately, the match was awesome. Bayley's best work on the main roster to date culminated in her first title win, punctuated by third party violence outside the ring. Charlotte once again proved that she will do whatever it takes to win. If her lawyer can't do it, she'll shamelessly cheat. If that doesn't work, she'll try to cripple her opponent. She chose the second option in Dana Brooke to return to her side and do whatever it took to make sure Bayley didn't beat the Queen. A rake to the eyes behind an unseeing referee appeared to cap off a diabolical plan, but The Boss was there to level the playing field. After dispatching Brooke, she used her crutch (which is apparently now the equivalent of Triple H's trademark sledgehammer as she wasn't using it to walk) to pop Charlotte in the chest and revel in her archrival's defeat.

(Huggles and warm fuzzies . . . for now. Source: WWE.com)

The story was certainly compelling, especially with Banks telling Charlotte prior to the match she would eventually reclaim the championship, but Banks could have gotten some measure of revenge against Jax with said crutch, instead of being a crutch. Nia Jax coming down the ramp for some jobber brutality, being cut down by a sneak attack strike against the back of her legs and some extra beating for good measure would not only keep Jax visible but also showcase Banks and her slow burn with a renewed fondness for brutality. All signs lead to the Boss stabbing her best friend in the back at Fastlane, but WWE simply cannot bank (get it?!) on the star power of half their women's division to keep things fresh beyond WrestleMania.

GEORGE "THE ANIMAL" STEELE (1937-2017)

On a final, more personal note, George "The Animal" Steele passed away this week at the age of 79. He was one of the favorite stars of my youth, eating turnbuckles and wagging his green tongue at his fearful opponents.

In 1996, at a convention in New Jersey, I was working with a friend selling collectibles at our table in one of the dealer rooms. Steele was signing autographs at meeting fans at his space across from us. As my friend took a break for lunch during the slow early afternoon, I was fortunate enough to spend time with George and talk with him for that hour plus pretty much one on one. He was a warm, friendly man, who was proud yet humble to those who enjoyed what he did in the ring for so many years. I felt blessed he treated the 20-something smark across the aisle as if he'd known him for years. I thanked him then, but I must thank him now too for the great memories.

Rest in peace, Mr. Steele

Next time in Glitter and Slam we will continue to examine the distaff division on both shows. Will Emma will ever come back? How long can RAW coast on three women? And can Smackdown Live keep up the solid booking in a two hour window?

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GLITTER & SLAM : THE RAGE INSIDE

In this edition of Glitter and Slam we examine the psychological aspects of Sasha Banks' current angle. We'll also take a look at what's happening in Asuka City and the Royal Rumble fallout for the women of Raw and Smackdown.

PRIDE OVER PAIN

Sasha Banks is on track for a heel turn leading into WrestleMania. The arc officially kicked off on January 31 edition of Raw as the Boss, ignoring any notion of common sense or strategy, refused to accept her defeat at the hands of Nia Jax on the previous night's Royal Rumble Kickoff show.

(Despite Bayley's friendly advice, Banks refused to let her reinjured knee slow her down, but what's going on within the mind of the Boss? Source: WWE Youtube)

From a creative standpoint, turning Sasha heel at some point can write itself. The Boss lives to be champion. Should Bayley win the title from Charlotte at WrestleMania, the quest for greatness could easily override friendship – a proven trope in professional wrestling. WWE creative is taking a different route, focusing on the internal.

(Banks gave everything she got, until she reinjured the knee against Jax on the Royal Rumble Kickoff. Source: WWE.com)

Ever since Banks lost the Raw Women's Title at Roadblock, her ego took a serious hit. Not only did the largest, angriest woman on the roster pull her punk card while on crutches, the former champion is a top level athlete who cannot rely on her body to do what she needs it to. She is hardwired to never back down and her pride was the fuel that demanded a rematch the next night on Raw, intriguingly, in light of an obvious injury that would slow her down.

Bayley pleaded with her to hold off until her knee healed, but a pensive Banks simply told her "I have everything to prove. Unlike some people, I am not okay with coming up short." After that verbal jab about Bayley's loss at the rumble to Charlotte, we next saw her later in the show heading to the ring. A dour Boss walked down the ramp with grim determination, indicating something darker at play within her mind as she awaited Nia Jax.

(Banks fought through the pain to once again give everything she had in a losing effort. Source: WWE.com)

Jax took every opportunity to work the injured knee as Banks refused to back down or submit even when any possibility of victory was gone. Bayley had to come to the ring to intervene as the giant continued her mission to cripple Sasha Banks even after the bell had rung. Banks never submitted before the timekeeper called for the bell. She laid in a heap semi-conscious from the pain but never tapped. This is where the angle gets interesting.

(The Boss defied reason and injury to combat the woman who wants to end her career. Source: WWE.com)

Banks only tapped out twice to Charlotte during their epic rivalry – both times during their Ironman Match at Roadblock. She tapped near the end of regulation and finally, to save her knee and live to fight another day, submitted in sudden death overtime, losing 3-2 and ending her third title reign. In Sasha Banks' mind, she was still in the ring at Roadblock, her face a mask of blood as she pounded the canvas in submission. She did not tap against Jax on Monday night. In a match that was strictly personal so soon after the Boss' fall from the top, this is the important part.

(Banks never tapped. Source: WWE.com)

The audience watched her bitterly walk into what amounted to an athletic suicide mission. Why? The apparent answer is that she had to bury any weakness she saw in herself for losing her title via submission – and not being able to give her latest challenger her just desserts the night before.

Another take, along with aforementioned blow to her pride, is that she doubted if her body could do it anymore, so she decided to plunge headlong into a fight she couldn't win, and if her knee blew out, she knew she went down a warrior in her last match.

(After getting Jax to unhand her best friend, Bayley helps a hobbled Boss to the training room. Source: WWE.com)

In other words, she would rather destroy her knee than live as a diminished wrestler who could no longer compete at the highest level. This is heavy stuff for scripting pro wrestling, but if you look back from this to Banks telling the world she did not "feel like a boss" any longer prior to Jax setting the feud off this makes sense. In her mind if she is not elite, she is nothing.

Now we just have to see how long before she turns her inner rage outward toward Bayley, who will most likely face Charlotte again for the title at WrestleMania. The only question left is when creative pulls the trigger: Will it be soon, or only after Bayley raises the championship in victory?

NAOMI MAKES HER STATEMENT

(Naomi gets some trademark hang time before putting away the champ. Source: WWE.com)

The women of Smackdown in the six-man tag match on the Royal Rumble Kickoff all got a chance to shine once again – especially Naomi.

Naomi returned to TV on Team Blue's go-home show for the Rumble stating she wanted Alexa Bliss' gold. Ever since the brand split, she has made great strides in her presentation and move set to carve a distinctive path and get noticed, even without a meaningful storyline going into 2017. Social media had noticed and she has a vocal contingent of fans who can't get enough. One visit to twitter on a Tuesday night makes that evident. WWE is noticing too.

(The return of Mickey James opens up yet more match-up possibilities for the women of Smackdown Live. Source: WWE.com)

After Becky Lynch lost her women's title rematch with Alexa Bliss thanks to Mickey James, the Lasskicker has been focused on the crafty veteran and making her pay. In some ways, it's a downer to see her excellent rivalry with Bliss on hold this soon, but seeing SD Live's distaff ring general in a dream match with an all-time great is too good not to book. Naomi's emerging popularity makes a title shot against Little Miss Bliss a great moment, as well as a challenge for both.

(While the match ended with the baby faces victorious, many more possibilities emerge for all the women of Smackdown Live. Source: WWE.com)

Bliss' improvement in the ring is a direct result of her feud over the title with Lynch, but she has yet to have an epic match in her WWE career. Naomi is in the same position, but her timing is much improved on her high spots since Survivor Series and her athleticism provides a good contrast with the champion's conniving heel style. After showcasing Lynch, Naomi, James and Bliss with Nikki Bella and Natalya, Smackdown one-ups Raw in overall women's booking again.

Raw is just now getting a second feud outside the title picture going, while Smackdown Live boasts not only a fresh title feud, but also good personal conflicts between Lynch and James in addition to Nikki and Natalya. The only woman not entrenched in these feuds is Carmella, and she is finding a way to always get on TV with James Ellsworth as her valet helping her cheat to win. As the Smackdown creative team has stepped up to give their wrestlers avenues to showcase themselves, the in-ring talent has met the challenge in NXT.

STRANGE TIMES IN ASUKA CITY

(It's still Asuka City, suplexes and all. Source: WWE.com)

Months ago, I cited the need for the women of NXT to step up and show they were a worthy stable to compete with their champion, the best female wrestler in the world, Asuka. Athletic and creative efforts in this direction bore their initial fruits at NXT Takeover: San Antonio. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay cemented their status as the top female heels in the brand. Their ring skills while solid, are still developing compared to the elites on the main roster, but both have made immense creative strides. If they continue to build on the match they had in Texas there will be some great television in store. The opponent that truly made this match her breakout, however, was Nikki Cross.

(Cross is the only woman to date that has been hardnosed enough to shut Asuka down. Source: WWE.com)

Cross built a solid technical resume wrestling as Nikki Storm in the UK and Europe prior to coming to NXT. In her first televised appearance as a high-energy baby face, she demonstrated her strength and skill, but was pretty much just a smiling grappler. Once she joined Sanity as the feral kid sister archetype of Eric Young and company, the gimmick fit her like one Lego to another. Early on we could see that she had the intensity to be the next plausible challenger for the Empress of Tomorrow beyond Ember Moon.

As good as the Fatal Fourway match was at Takeover, she at times overshadowed Royce and Kay, until the pair suplexed her through a table. Prior to that Cross showed us a character who may not have the skill of Asuka, but who could match the champion's intensity.

(Now that her compatriots are growing into a solid women's division, the possibility of Asuka moving to the main roster sometime in 2017 could be a tantalizing reality. Source: WWE.com)

Fearless and angry, she established herself as a top woman under WWE's brand umbrella. With the Asuka/Moon feud teased at the end of Takeover, look for Cross to get even more opportunities to showcase her gritty brand of athleticism with Moon, Royce, Kay, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose and the rest as 2017 unfolds. Now the biggest question isn't who will step among the NXT women, but rather when will WWE bring Asuka to the big show? The personalities of the women's division are responding to the pressure.

Next time in Glitter and Slam we'll look at the Elimination Chamber card as well as keep an ongoing eye on the matches and creative direction for the women of WWE programming.

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