WWE’s Handling of Paige and Brie Bella on European Tour Raises Questions About Women’s Tag Team Booking

WWE’s European tour generated significant excitement among fans across the continent, delivering packed arenas, passionate crowds, and major developments across both RAW and SmackDown. However, one surprising talking point emerged from the June 5 edition of SmackDown in Bologna, Italy, where reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions Paige and Brie Bella were largely absent from the show’s in-ring action.

While the champions did appear in a backstage segment involving Fatal Influence, they were notably excluded from any match or substantial arena appearance. New comments from Brie Bella have since revealed that WWE originally had different plans for the duo before making last-minute creative changes.

The situation has fueled debate among fans regarding the treatment of championship talent and the role of women’s tag team wrestling heading into the second half of 2026.

What Happened on SmackDown in Italy?

The June 5 episode of SmackDown featured several high-profile developments, including continued action from the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. Numerous superstars received television time, and the enthusiastic Italian crowd played a major role in creating a memorable atmosphere throughout the night.

However, despite being titleholders, Paige and Brie Bella were not booked in a match.

Instead, the champions appeared during a backstage photo session that was interrupted by Fatal Influence, creating a brief storyline advancement but offering little opportunity for either champion to interact with the live audience.

For many viewers, the absence of an in-ring appearance felt unusual given the status of the championship team.

Brie Bella Reveals Original WWE Plans

During an episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, Brie Bella shared insight into what was originally planned for the champions.

According to Brie, both she and Paige believed they would be competing on SmackDown before those plans changed. The disappointment was amplified because the duo had also missed the opportunity to wrestle during a previous European stop.

Brie explained that WWE initially intended for the champions to appear in front of the live audience and cut a promo before the segment was reportedly removed from the show.

“Paige and I thought we had a match, and then we didn’t. We were so sad because we wanted to get out there in front of those incredible crowds.”

The comments suggest that creative adjustments occurred shortly before the show, leaving the champions without a meaningful arena appearance.

Why European Crowds Matter So Much

In recent years, WWE’s international events have become known for producing some of the loudest and most energetic crowds in professional wrestling.

Fans across Europe often create unique atmospheres through chants, songs, and extended crowd participation that can elevate even routine television segments.

For performers, these tours offer opportunities to connect with audiences that they may only see once or twice each year.

That context helps explain why Brie Bella expressed frustration about missing the chance to perform in front of those fans.

For established stars and champions alike, audience interaction remains a critical part of professional wrestling’s appeal.

Should WWE Champions Always Be Featured Prominently?

The situation raises a broader question about championship booking.

While not every titleholder can appear in a match every week, championships traditionally serve as focal points for weekly programming. Fans often expect champions to receive meaningful television exposure because titleholders represent the division’s highest level.

When champions are absent from major portions of a show, it can create the perception that the titles themselves are being de-emphasized.

In the case of Paige and Brie Bella, fans expected the champions to play a larger role during a major international tour.

The Current State of WWE’s Women’s Tag Team Division

The Women’s Tag Team Championship has experienced varying levels of prominence throughout its history.

At times, the titles have headlined storylines and premium live events. At other points, they have struggled for consistent television focus due to roster depth, creative priorities, and competing storylines.

The presence of veteran stars such as Paige and Brie Bella has helped generate renewed interest in the division. Their experience, popularity, and championship status provide WWE with recognizable figures capable of elevating tag team wrestling.

However, maintaining that momentum requires consistent visibility and meaningful story development.

Paige Receives Strong Fan Support Following Online Controversy

Apart from the discussion surrounding SmackDown, Paige recently found herself at the center of a separate controversy involving social media reactions.

Following Zaria’s Women’s North American Championship victory on NXT, an online post comparing a celebratory moment to a past controversy involving Paige drew criticism from fans.

Many wrestling supporters viewed the comparison as inappropriate and quickly rallied behind the former champion.

The response highlighted the continued support Paige enjoys within the wrestling community despite years of scrutiny and challenges throughout her career.

Paige later acknowledged the positive messages, expressing appreciation toward fans who defended her.

What WWE Could Learn From This Situation

The reaction to Paige and Brie Bella’s reduced role demonstrates how invested fans remain in championship presentation.

Modern wrestling audiences pay close attention to booking decisions and frequently evaluate how companies position their titleholders.

While creative plans inevitably change, transparency through strong storytelling can help avoid perceptions that champions are being overlooked.

When titleholders consistently receive meaningful television time, championships feel more valuable and storylines become easier for viewers to follow.

What Comes Next for Paige and Brie Bella?

The backstage confrontation with Fatal Influence suggests WWE may be building toward a future feud involving the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

If that is the case, the lack of ring time in Italy could ultimately prove to be a temporary setback rather than a long-term creative direction.

With major WWE events approaching throughout the summer, the champions are expected to remain important figures within the women’s division.

The key question is whether future episodes of SmackDown will provide them with the spotlight many fans believe they deserve.

Conclusion

Paige and Brie Bella’s limited role during WWE’s European tour became an unexpected talking point after Brie revealed that planned appearances were reportedly changed at the last minute.

For many fans, the issue extends beyond a single episode of SmackDown. It touches on broader questions regarding championship visibility, creative priorities, and the presentation of WWE’s women’s tag team division.

As the reigning champions continue their rivalry with Fatal Influence and pursue new challenges, attention will remain on how WWE chooses to utilize two of its most recognizable stars. If recent fan reactions are any indication, audiences are eager to see Paige and Brie Bella receive a more prominent role moving forward.