How WWE Decided Bayley’s Clash Of Champions Gold Rush Opponent

WWE needed to nix the planned SmackDown Women’s Title for Clash Of Champions Gold Rush. Nikki Cross was unable to work the show. They called on Asuka for a very short match, her second of the night. WWE had other options, so why didn’t they go with them?

Click here for our complete coverage of WWE Clash Of Champions Gold Rush.

Directly following Bayley and Asuka’s match, Sasha Banks returned and destroyed the SmackDown Women’s Champion. The match was meant to be a setup for Banks’ vengeful return.

Alexa Bliss took a shot at Bayley’s “repetitive Karen attitude” on the afternoon of Clash Of Champions Gold Rush. We’ve been asked why Bliss wasn’t picked for the match, and we have an answer. Ringside News has learned that Vince McMahon didn’t want to use Alexa Bliss because “he didn’t want to throw away Bliss as a setup to Sasha.”

Another option, Lacey Evans wasn’t considered A tenured member of the creative team confirmed previous reports that “Lacey is not in the best position right now.”

SmackDown has an issue with roster depth on the women’s side, and there weren’t many alternate options. Asuka was chosen because she’s a solid competitor and just worked with Bayley. She also didn’t lose any heat by winning via DQ. It was all a setup for Sasha Banks’ return anyway.