WWE SummerSlam 2021 - Star ratings for every match

Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women's Championship (WWE SummerSlam 2021)

"@SashaBanksWWE, it may not be tonight, but sooner or later, it's going to be me and you in this ring." - @BiancaBelairWWE #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/EgyhXChi5p

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 22, 2021

One of the most highly anticipated encounters coming into WWE SummerSlam 2021 was Bianca Belair defending the SmackDown Women's Championship against Sasha Banks in a WrestleMania 37 rematch. The two ladies made history at the Showcase of Immortals, becoming the first two African Americans to headline the Show of Shows.

Despite numerous reports that Sasha Banks would be pulled from SummerSlam 2021, WWE falsely advertised this contest until Belair's entrance. Ring announcer Greg Hamilton announced that Banks wouldn't compete and introduced Carmella as her replacement. This was just a red herring because Becky Lynch would then make her return to a massive pop from the Vegas crowd.

WELCOME BACK!WELCOME BACK!WELCOME BACK!WELCOME BACK!WELCOME BACK!@BeckyLynchWWE is HERE at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/A8U8YMOWC1

— WWE SummerSlam (@SummerSlam) August 22, 2021

Becky Lynch attacked Carmella, removing her from this contest and inserting herself. The Man then challenged Bianca Belair to tear the Allegiant Stadium roof off, which the champion accepted. Twenty-three seconds later, Becky Lynch defeated Bianca Belair to win the SmackDown Women's Championship at WWE SummerSlam 2021.

This was an extremely frustrating result that seemingly ruined two things. Becky Lynch's return should have been a celebration of one of the most popular superstars making her long-awaited comeback. The way this went down ruined any goodwill that would have resulted from this. At the same time, they effectively killed Belair's year-long push and squandered it for a short-term surprise pop.

Star rating: DUD