WWE SmackDown newcomer Tatum Paxley captures tag team gold with Alexa Bliss in win over Fatal Influence
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship changed hands on “Friday Night SmackDown.”
Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid started Friday expecting to defend their titles against Charlotte Flair and Tatum Paxley. However, Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab attacked Flair backstage, leaving her unable to compete in the tag team title match.
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Tatum Paxley and Alexa Bliss make their entrance during SmackDown at Cajundome in Lafayette, La., on Oct. 9, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
Alexa Bliss stepped up for Flair.
It appeared Henley and Reid were going to use dirty tactics to score the victory. Henley had Paxley pinned and used the ropes and Reid as leverage to keep Paxley’s shoulders down on the mat. The referee saw Fatal Influence cheating and admonished the group before she could count to three. With Reid’s back turned, Bliss jumped her and hit the Sister Abigail on the floor.
Henley took her eyes off Paxley. The SmackDown newcomer nailed the Cemetery Drive on Henley and pinned her for the victory. It was Paxley and Bliss celebrating in the ring, while Henley and Reid were stunned.
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Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions during SmackDown at Cajundome in Lafayette, La., on Oct. 9, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
Henley and Reid’s reign ends at 83 days. The duo picked up the tag team titles at Saturday Night’s Main Event back in July when they defeated Brie Bella and Paige.
The win represents Paxley’s first title on the main roster. She made her debut in August, following her time at NXT where she held the NXT Women’s Championship, NXT Women’s North American Championship and NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship.
On her SmackDown debut, she helped Bliss and Flair fend off an attack from Cargill, Michin and B-Fab. While that group seems to still be tormenting Bliss and Flair, at least they have some gold.
Lainey Reid faces Tatum Paxley during SmackDown at Cajundome in Lafayette, La., on Oct. 9, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
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Bliss is now a five-time tag team champion. She’s held the belt with Flair, Asuka and former WWE star Nikki Cross.
