Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship on SmackDown after a backstage attack sidelined Charlotte Flair. The surprise title change unfolded on October 9, 2026, just one day before Money in the Bank, ending the reign of Fatal Influence.
Backstage Assault Forces Last-Minute Lineup Change on SmackDown
The championship landscape shifted abruptly on the October 9, 2026, episode of SmackDown when an unexpected physical altercation backstage left one of the division’s top contenders sidelined. Fatal Influence members Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid had entered the arena prepared to defend their tag team titles against Tatum Paxley and Charlotte Flair. Instead, Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab ambushed Flair before the broadcast, forcing WWE officials to scramble for a replacement contender.
Although Flair insisted she could push through the physical toll of the ambush, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and the medical staff would not clear her to compete in the scheduled bout. With the title opportunity in jeopardy, Flair urged Alexa Bliss to step in as Paxley’s partner, averting a postponement of the championship match.
How Bliss and Paxley Overcame Fatal Influence in the Ring
Henley and Reid capitalized on the makeshift team’s lack of chemistry early in the matchup, controlling the pace and successfully isolating Paxley to prevent a tag by blocking her from reaching her corner. The champions attempted to use illegal leverage during pinfall attempts, but the referee caught the interference.
The momentum swung permanently when Bliss received the hot tag. She cleared the floor by striking Reid with a Sister Abigail outside the ring. Inside the ropes, Paxley recovered after Henley dodged a 450 Splash, catching Henley to deliver a Cemetery Drive for the winning pinfall.
Championship History and Roster Stakes Heading Into Money in the Bank
The victory marks the fifth time Bliss has held the women’s tag team championship after previous reigns with Nikki Cross, Asuka, and Charlotte Flair. For Paxley, who transitioned to professional wrestling following a background as a competitive powerlifter, the win represents her first championship on the main roster following previous reigns in NXT.
The sudden partnership could serve as a catalyst for future tension involving Flair.
Alexis Kaufman, known professionally as Alexa Bliss, was first signed to WWE in May 2013 and has performed on the SmackDown brand.
Tatum Paxley made her in-ring debut in 2022 on the debut episode of NXT Level Up, where she teamed up with Ivy Nile to defeat Fallon Henley and Kayla Inlay. She is only the second woman to win both the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship, joining Stephanie Vaquer in achieving that feat. Before launching her professional wrestling career, Paxley achieved success as a powerlifter, winning the USA Powerlifting championship several times.