SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan’s recent rise to the top of the card was reportedly due to Sasha Banks’ and Naomi’s WWE walkout.
In the latest Wrestling Observer newsletter Dave Meltzer stated that Banks and Naomi’s walkout opened the doors for a new top-tier female babyface on SmackDown.
WWE management decided it was time to bring in Morgan. Meltzer described it as Morgan being “the pick of all the draw” after WWE decided to promote a new Superstar.
Meltzer said Morgan’s popularity among the crowds helped her case get the continuing push.
Fightful Select reported in the aftermath of Banks’ and Naomi’s walkout that the two women were eligible to compete for the Raw Women’s Titles and the SmackDown Women’s Titles.
However, they still held the Women’s Tag Team Titles. If this scenario had occurred, Banks would have clashed with Ronda and Naomi with Bianca Belair.
Banks and Naomi reportedly opposed the idea that WWE would book them as singles opponents and devalue their Tag Team Titles.
Morgan is credited with her title reign being viewed as a success. According to , Morgan’s merchandise is a popular item at WWE live events and has consistently gotten the loudest reactions.
Morgan’s reign as title holder has been embraced by most of the WWE Universe, but WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray or veteran referee Jimmy Korderas have not yet been convinced.
Morgan spoke out about her critics in a chat with Corey Graves, a podcast called “After the Bell”.
Liv Morgan stated that everyone has their opinions and everybody is entitled to their opinion. It is not my business what you think of me, it’s your business. If you love or hate me, it doesn’t matter.
I will do what I believe is right, and that’s something I’ve done all my career.
Morgan will defend her title at the SummerSlam premium live show against Ronda Rousey. This will be her first televised defense of her title since she cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase in order to obtain her first taste at WWE championship gold.
Recently, she has been defending her title against Rousey & Natalya in Triple-Threat Matches at live shows. Natalya ate the pin.