Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a surprise title change that will be remembered by fans across the nation. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, held for 83 days by Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid, was reclaimed by a new partnership: Tatum Paxley, the recent SmackDown debutante, and veteran Alexa Bliss.
Match Overview
The bout began with Henley and Reid expecting to defend their belts against the established duo of Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley. However, an unexpected backstage assault by Jade Cargill, Michin and B‑Fab left Flair unable to compete. In response, Alexa Bliss stepped in to fill the void, aligning herself with Paxley for the championship match.
Early in the contest, Henley and Reid appeared poised to use underhanded tactics. Henley secured a pin on Paxley, using the ropes and Reid as leverage to keep Paxley’s shoulders on the mat. The referee, noticing the illegal maneuver, intervened and warned the team before a three‑count could be completed. With Reid’s attention diverted, Bliss seized the moment, delivering her signature Sister Abigail to Reid on the floor.
Seizing the advantage, Paxley turned the tables. She executed a powerful Cemetery Drive on Henley and secured the decisive pinfall, earning the championship for herself and Bliss. The arena erupted as the new champions celebrated, while the defeated duo looked on in disbelief.
Significance for the Winners
This victory marks Tatum Paxley’s first main‑roster title in WWE. After a successful run in NXT—where she held the NXT Women’s Championship, the NXT Women’s North American Championship, and the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship—Paxley made her SmackDown debut in August. Her rapid ascent to a main‑roster championship underscores her growing popularity and in‑ring skill.
For Alexa Bliss, the win adds a fifth Women’s Tag Team title to her résumé. Bliss has previously held the championship alongside Charlotte Flair, Asuka, and former WWE star Nikki Cross, cementing her status as one of the most decorated women’s tag competitors in recent history.
What’s Next?
While the new champions celebrate, the storyline involving Cargill, Michin and B‑Fab remains unresolved. Their ongoing attacks on Bliss and Flair suggest further confrontations on upcoming SmackDown episodes, promising additional excitement for fans.
Henley and Reid’s reign, which began with a victory over Brie Bella and Paige on Saturday Night’s Main Event, concludes with this loss. Their 83‑day tenure will be remembered for its resilience, but the title now belongs to a fresh pairing that blends youthful energy with veteran experience.
WWE enthusiasts can look forward to how Paxley and Bliss will defend their belts against a roster of determined challengers, as the women’s tag division continues to evolve and capture the imagination of the wrestling community.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
