WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler had some strong words for Raquel Rodriguez this week.
During Friday night’s show, Raquel was interviewed backstage discussing next week’s Gauntlet match and whether she would be fit to compete in it.
Rousey and Shayna suddenly launched an unprovoked attack and targeted an already injured elbow. Both stars left the former NXT Women’s Champion writhing in pain.
WWE correspondent Megan Morant discusses her actions with The Baddest Woman on the Planet and Shayna Baszler on this week’s SmackDown Lowdown. Baszler stated that he was not concerned about any of the competitors participating in the Gauntlet match.
“Let’s take a look at the field here. So we have Raquel, we all know about Raquel. Emma, beat her. Let’s look here, Liv, already beat her. Tegan, a badass who really Doesn’t deserve a shot. The title. We have Gia, she hasn’t been here long enough to accept any kind of challenge for any title. Sonya? She felt the armbar as well,” Basler said.
The SmackDown Women’s Champion also defended her actions, saying that she was always respectful and cordial before Raquel disrespected her.
“He started it. Like I had nothing but respect for him. I did nothing but give him opportunities. I’ve been great to him.” [from 0:18 – 1:18]
Before Ronda could finish, Baszler took her away saying that the winner doesn’t have to explain herself to anyone.
Gauntlet match next week to determine Ronda Rousey’s next challenger
WWE fans will look forward to a gauntlet match next week on SmackDown to determine the new number-one contender to Ronda Rousey.
The match will feature several top competitors from the blue brand, including Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, Tegan Nox, Emma, Xia Lee, and Sonya Deville. Six women will battle it out for the opportunity to claim the SmackDown Women’s Title from Ronda Rousey.
Who do you think will be the next challenger for The Baddest Woman on the Planet? Tell us your predictions in the comments section below.