Examining Alexa Bliss' Direction, Upside and Long-Term Potential

It's easy to see why WWE is banking on Alexa Bliss so early in her career.

Three years after signing a developmental deal and two months after SmackDown selected her in the draft, the malicious, sneering Superstar is in line for a shot at the blue brand's Women's Championship. Her athleticism, showmanship and mastery of the art of villainy promises to reward WWE for moving her along so quickly.

At NXT, Bliss became one of the more intriguing figures of the developmental wing.

Before she could reign as NXT women's champ or fully flesh out her in-ring skills, though, WWE called her up to the main roster in July. She joined SmackDown and was immediately thrown into the title hunt.

On Sept. 13, she outlasted four other Superstars to earn the No. 1 contender spot. She and Becky Lynch now have a date at the No Mercy pay-per-view on Oct. 9.

Fight Booth tweeted Bliss will thrive in this spot:

It's hard to argue. The 25-year-old rookie has looked good every step of the way. 

Sporting a loudly colorful Harley Quinn-inspired look, she has played an unscrupulous opportunist who has no issue with stealing cheap wins. She's been a braggart, a snooty narcissist who thinks everyone is below her.

So far, the role has suited her. WWE may be hurrying her along, but she is poised to make the company look smart for trusting her.  

Strengths

Bliss comfortably wears a villain's skin. 

She's ferocious on offense. She's nasty and consistently indignant. And as Total Wrestling magazine tweeted, her facial expressions are excellent:

She has long played the heel role well, picking up the nuances of the act quickly.

That goes for both in the ring and on the mic. Bliss' interviews have been strong thus far. When she tears into her foes with a snarl on her face, she is mighty convincing.

Her cheerleader background shows between the ropes. She's quick, athletic and smooth.

Beyond that, she possesses a growing presence that will help her stand out in an increasingly stacked division.

Obstacles

It's not surprising considering her lack of experience, but Bliss is unpolished in the ring. She's only been wrestling since 2013, and as much as she has improved, she's still an unproven commodity.

She's looked good at both NXT and SmackDown, but can't compete with WWE's top female performers right now. Lynch, Sasha Banks and Asuka's resumes are filled with so much more stellar bouts.

Her feud with Lynch will give her the opportunity to bolster her in-ring CV, however.

Timing may be her enemy, too. In order to fill both the Raw and SmackDown roster after the brand split in July, WWE had to rush along many a prospect. Bliss could have used so much more seasoning at the developmental level. 

Instead, WWE is throwing her into the fire right away by sliding her into the title picture. That strategy may work in the end, but it puts a lot of pressure on Bliss.

And of lesser significance, Bliss is the shortest wrestler on the roster at 5'1". That's more of an issue in the men's game, as the 5'2" AJ Lee was queen of the division for a long stretch, but WWE does like its Superstars larger than life.

Bliss will have to make up for her stature with spunk—something she looks fully capable of doing.

Long-Term Potential

Bet the farm on Bliss becoming the women's champion at some point.

She has grown into one of WWE's most promising young stars. She's embraced the art of heeldom and looked better and better in the ring as she's gone along.

Miami Herald writer Scott Fishman is among those who believe she's one to watch:

If she keeps progressing at the rate she has the past two years, she will undoubtedly be a major player in the WWE for years to come. Bliss has top heel written all over her. 

Rivalries with Charlotte, Bayley, Banks, Asuka and Lynch would all be worthy of the marquee.

Bliss' deficiencies are minimal. There is little beyond poor booking or injuries that stand to block her from being a major success. Multiple title reigns are on the way as she competes for the No. 1 spot in the women's division for the next decade.

Count on all her cocky projections coming true.

Be sure to check out previous editions of this ongoing series:

• Braun Strowman
• Heath Slater
• Eva Marie
• Nia Jax