Rise of Lana: WWE's big risk?

Lana, real name CJ Perry, has been a decisive character since joining WWE in 2013

Lana is the No 1 contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship and it's not without controversy.

She's never competed in one-on-one action on a televised show and yet has a title shot at the upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view, live on Sky Sports Box Office at 1am on June 19.

We assess why the woman known as the 'Ravishing Russian' is now in the spotlight and we want you to vote in the poll at the bottom to tell us whether you think she deserves it.

Money in the Bank

Click here to order WWE Money in the Bank, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The case for

Why not Lana?

She's an established superstar with a solid fan base and has cultivated a strong persona over the last four years.

Lana's been working with NXT, in tag team matches last year and single matches over the last six months, during in-house live shows to try to develop her craft.

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Lana made an impact on her SmackDown debut by costing Women's Champion Naomi her tag-team match

She's also been a fixture at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando as she attempts to prove she deserves a chance on the main roster as an in-ring competitor.

But mainly, Lana is excellent on the microphone and her 'Russian' character draws an instant reaction from WWE supporters.

If she has made the step-up physically, then we could see a legitimate star able to entertain during captivating rivalries.

Why not take the risk?

The case against

SmackDown could feasibly have Jinder Mahal as its WWE Champion and Lana as the Women's Champion.

Considering Mahal was a mid-ranking talent only three months ago and Lana has spent most of her career as Rusev's manager, there would undoubtedly be criticism WWE is focusing on entertainment instead of the sports element of the business.

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Lana's debut on SmackDown was teased for weeks with a dance routine

Lana's only televised match action was in the kick-off show at WrestleMania last year, taking part in a rather forgettable 10-woman tag match.

She was the legal woman in the match for just 38 seconds and hasn't been seen with her pads on RAW or SmackDown since.

Lana made her in-ring debut at Wrestlemania 32 last year

Lana was rejected for the Money in the Bank ladder match on the last SmackDown due to a lack of experience but got a title shot on the same night.

What happened to earning your spot at the top?