Brie Bella’s long-awaited return to singles competition didn’t end the way many expected. On the July 3 episode of WWE SmackDown, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion suffered a shocking defeat in her first one-on-one match in more than eight years, but there was more to the finish than met the eye.
The loss came against main roster newcomer Lainey Reid, whose biggest career victory arrived with a little help from her friends, proving that sometimes it pays to stack the deck.
Lainey Reid scores upset victory over Brie Bella on SmackDown
Brie came out firing with a Lou Thesz Press, mounted punches, and later connected with a tornado DDT and a missile dropkick as she looked to shake off the ring rust. She eventually locked in the LeBell Lock, seemingly putting Reid in serious trouble.
However, the tide turned when Fallon Henley climbed onto the apron to create a distraction. Paige quickly intervened, pulling Henley away before sending Jacy Jayne into the ring post. Henley responded by dropping Paige with a right hand, forcing Brie to release the submission and come to her tag team partner’s aid.
With Brie momentarily distracted, Reid capitalized on the opening. She caught the WWE Hall of Famer back inside the ring and sealed the upset victory with a running knee.
The result marked Brie’s first singles match since returning to WWE in 2026 and her first one-on-one bout in more than eight years, bringing her undefeated singles run since her comeback to an abrupt end. While the loss came under controversial circumstances, Reid won’t care whether there was an asterisk beside it — a win is a win in the record books.
The victory could also have major implications for the Women’s Tag Team Championship picture. With Fatal Influence continuing its rivalry with Brie and Paige, Reid’s breakthrough moment may strengthen the case for another title opportunity in the weeks ahead.
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