Alexa Bliss’ prominence within WWE kicked off during the 2016 brand split when she was drafted out of NXT onto SmackDown. If relatively obscure on the main roster (which could be said about much of the roster, actually), Bliss quickly became one of the most engaging and ruthless competitors in the women’s division, possessed of an athletic ability matched by a charisma and cunning well beyond her tender years.

Rise to the Championship:
In July 2016, after coming over to SmackDown, Alexa Bliss started a slow build as a heel, usually teaming up with other heels and attacking babyfaces (top stars such as Becky Lynch). Her mic skills and character work jumped out instantly, pissing off fans and catching the eye of WWE decision makers.
Her come to fore happened during Backlash 2016, where she participated in a six-pack challenge to be crowned the first ever SmackDown’s Women’s Champion. Although Becky Lynch won that match, the performance of Bliss was strong and soon. She found herself in a one on one feud with Lynch.

First Title Win:
On December 4, 2016, at TLC: Table, Ladders & Chair, Alexa Bliss defeated Becky Lynch in the Tables match to capture her first SmackDown Women’s Championship. This win made her the first woman who won the SmackDown Women’s title from WWE’s developmental brand NXT and her place in division was now secured.
She proved herself a master of guileful heel strategy and psychological warfare. Whether cheating for the win, bending referees, or playing psychological games, Bliss became the division’s number one villain, often making fun not only of her opponents but her fans as well, with biting promos. Loss which was short-lived and reclaiming title.

Short-Lived Loss and Regaining the Title:
Bliss’s first reign was over on February 12, 2017, this occurred at Elimination Chamber, where she lost the championship to Naomi. Nevertheless, a period of nine days later, indeed, Naomi had to relinquish the championship again because of injury. Bliss defeated Becky Lynch again to become the first two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion on a match played in the episode 21 of SmackDown in February.
This second reign entrenched her power, for she continued to ward off rivals despite her image of the cunning and calculating champion. Her character which combined arrogance, wit and occasionally horrific rages kept her feuds fresh and interesting.
WrestleMania 33 and End of Her Reign
Alexa Bliss entered WrestleMania 33 as the in-box champion, and defended the title in a six-pack challenge against Becky Lynch, Natalya, Carmella, Mickie James, and the returning Naomi. Naomi in her
hometown in Orlando, defeated Bliss and won the title for Alexa’s second reign in the finals on April 2, 2017.
Legacy of the Reign:
Alexa Bliss’ reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion in 2016-2017 was an epoch-making turning point in WWE’s Women’s Evolution. She showed that these were not just complementary, but blatant, charisma, promo ability, and character work were just as essential as having in-ring backstage abilities. Her success paved the way for future title reigns, and solidified her role as WWE’s women’s division stalwart for the next few years.