Paige and the Top Successors to Nikki Bella's Title Reign

Nothing lasts forever.

Nikki Bella is the current Divas champion, a title she’s held for nearly nine months.

Bella has actually improved her wrestling during her reign, turning back the likes of Paige, Naomi and AJ Lee. But that was before the Divas revolution began.

Paige tried to rally her fellow Divas against Bella but failed. Alicia Fox ended up joining Nikki and Brie to form quite the stable. Subsequently, WWE’s Stephanie McMahon decided to call up reinforcements to even the playing field.

That move has put Nikki Bella’s title in jeopardy.

There are now more challengers worthy of becoming champion. Charlotte, Becky Lynch and current NXT women’s champion Sasha Banks have all made significant impacts since debuting on the July 15 episode of Raw.

So, who should be the next Divas champion?

The following list, which features an analysis of who has the best shot at dethroning Bella from the top of the Divas division, will answer that.

It also will explain who has the best potential for storyline purposes, whether it is written professionally or personally. Regardless, each angle will be explored.

Without further ado, here are the top six successors to Nikki Bella’s reign as champion.

6. Naomi

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Naomi earned her spot after turning heel in May. She redefined her character and truly evolved from a happy, go-lucky backup dancer for Brodus Clay.

She’s quite the athlete, performing as a high-flyer with a tough edge. Her character comes off as arrogant, and a battle with Nikki is exactly what she needs to take the next step.

Unfortunately, Naomi might not get that chance. She had the most momentum when she took on Bella on May 18. She’s cooled down ever since.

While Naomi vs. Nikki would make an entertaining bout, it’s just not in the cards for Naomi to get the first crack at the champ.

5. Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch is one of the new three Divas from NXT.

The Irish-born wrestler loves her Fujiwara armbar, which she dubs the “Dis-arm-her.” She comes across as the unlikeliest of the three to get the call.

Lynch is the only new Diva to not win the NXT title. She fought valiantly but lost to Sasha Banks at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution. She and Nikki can provide the classic “champion vs. underdog” bout.

However, it seems doubtful WWE would have her reign over others with more tenure in both divisions. Banks, Charlotte and Paige seem likelier to dethrone Bella because of their past accomplishments in both divisions. Lynch hasn’t reached that level yet.

It would be an intriguing ploy by WWE to stop Bella’s reign, but frankly, Lynch isn’t ready yet.

4. Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks has truly become “The Boss.”

Banks won the NXT women’s title from Charlotte and hasn’t looked back. The Boss has turned back the tide at every turn and holds her title with an iron grip.

Banks uses the “Bank Statement,” a variation of the crossface. She takes her enemies below the jaw and rears back, causing them to tap out.

She and Bella would bring a unique situation to the Divas division. The two champions would face off in a rare “champion vs. champion” match. Maybe both titles would be on the line.

However, it seems too soon for WWE to do this. Keep in mind it already did the “champion vs. champion” bout with then-NXT champion Kevin Owens and United States champion John Cena. The company might also do it again for SummerSlam with Cena and WWE world champion Seth Rollins.

If the WWE decides to pull the trigger, proceed with caution. Don’t expect Banks to overcome Bella if this route is taken.

3. Paige

Paige is the first-ever NXT women’s champion and the youngest Divas champion. She’s also a two-time Divas champion.

The fame doesn’t end there. Paige can be seen on almost every WWE show. Whether it’s Tough Enough, Total Divas or even the Stone Cold Podcast, Paige is everywhere.

She’s earned that, too. Paige can make opponents submit or pin them with a plethora of moves. She’s shown that she is the complete Diva, which is ironic considering she’s not the prototypical WWE Diva.

However, we’ve seen this before. Paige and Bella have already fought on numerous occasions. Their last encounter at Money in the Bank provided a finish that most fans don’t want to remember. It also led to the call-ups from NXT in the first place.

Paige is also in a rare spot. She doesn’t need the Divas title.

She’s already established enough to stand on her own. The only reason this match should happen is because Paige is the most popular WWE Diva right now.

No offense to her fanbase, but it’s time WWE gave someone else a shot.

2. Brie Bella

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This would be quite the dilemma for Team Bella, wouldn’t it?

Brie Bella, like her sister, has also improved in the ring. Gone are the days when she was just flailing around waiting to switch spots with her sister.

Now, she’s a competitor. Bella has a list of moves that would make her an interesting opponent. The thought of sisters facing each other for a title is too good to pass up.

As stated earlier, both Bellas are improving. But that doesn’t mean putting them together makes a great bout.

Their series of encounters last year left much to be desired. It featured Nikki winning and led to no clear resolution. Brie ended up as second fiddle to Nikki and eventually helped her sister win the Divas title.

Maybe that can be the way in for this potential bout. The Bella who helped her sister win that championship faces off against her for that same title.

It does have a nice ring to it.

1. Charlotte

Sometimes, the obvious choice is the best choice. Charlotte Flair is the best successor to become the next Divas champion.

Charlotte is the second NXT champion to be called up to Raw. She is the daughter of Ric Flair, wrestling royalty at its finest.

Charlotte improved her father’s submission hold, the Figure-Four Leglock. She bridges up while grape-vining her opponent’s legs. This is called the Figure Eight.

Charlotte also uses Natural Selection as her finishing maneuver, smashing her enemy’s face down on the mat in an Ace Crusher variation.

The WWE needs a fresh storyline with Nikki Bella. First off, it needs a fresh face that can garner the right attention in chasing the title. Secondly, it needs someone who represents wrestling to feud with Nikki. Lastly, the challenger for Bella’s title must be worthy to the majority of WWE fans.

Charlotte Flair fits the bill. She may be the obvious pick, but she’s the diamond the Divas division sorely needs.