Ronda Defeats Raquel In A SmackDown Thriller, Then Charlotte Flair Ruins Everything
For the last month, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler have run roughshod over the ladies of SmackDown – this is how it should be. Not only does everyone who challenges Ronda in the ring get their arms cracked, but when they see Ronda backstage, they get their arms broken courtesy of Ronda, Shayna, and whatever foreign object catches the dangerous duo’s eye at the time. It’s a fun dynamic on SmackDown these days.
This has led to Raquel Rodriguez’s elbow getting busted multiple times and Raquel employing Tegan Nox to get one over on Shayna Baszler. Things Have escalated from there, and Racquel has rightfully gained a spot as the number one contender. We know Ronda and Raquel have some fascinating history with their match over the summer stealing the show and nearly providing the upset of the year (then Liv got the upset of the year, sorry Racquel). But according to the social media hype, Racquel’s “Cinderella story” isn’t over and 2022 will end with a heartwarming story.
Ronda doesn’t think so, and after a seriously effective power offense to start their match, Ronda got back into control, and back to taunting Raquel. Both fighters traded submission attempts, with Racquel reversing an armbar into a Boston Crab then Ronda reversing multiple reversals. THIS IS A HELL OF A MATCH. Things spill outside where the power of Raquel is shown by her simply tossing Ronda around.
Ronda continues to use Kimuras, straight armbars, and more to nearly snap off Raquel’s bad arm. Raquel then muscled Ronda up to the top rope for a slam, when Ronda reverses it into an armbar. Tap and we good. Ronda retains.
Then, Charlotte Flair decides to ruin everything. An impromptu match ensues and Charlotte is put into an armbar, then pins Ronda just like Liv did at SummerSlam. Sigh.