Ronda Rousey has been on a roll since she first entered the WWE, about a year ago. Off a stellar performance at Wrestlemania 34 in her mixed tag match with Kurt Angle, against HHH and Stephanie McMahon, she would move on to become RAW Women’s Champion some months later, and remain dominant within the Red brand’s women’s division.
#TheBoss @SashaBanksWWE challenges #RAW #WomensChampion @RondaRousey THIS SUNDAY at @WWE #RoyalRumble, streaming LIVE at 7e/4p on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/1wQ4ahQOJS
— WWE (@WWE) January 22, 2019
Ronda has done an incredible job learning the ins and out of the squared circle, WWE, and professional wrestling/sports entertainment as a whole. She amazes in the ring, and is pretty solid on that mic when it comes to promos and backstage segments. Having said that, when you look at stories and storytelling, this heroine has been unstoppable, and every face needs some sort of stumbling block.
But, Rousey hasn’t really encountered anything like this before. Other than Alexa Bliss shockingly cashing in on her Money in the Bank briefcase (that she won earlier that night) during the WWE’s June pay-per-view (PPV), Ronda has slid by and blasted competitor after competitor that has come her way.
Sorry you got dragged into this @natbynature but when you associate yourself with a fake one, you shouldn’t be surprised when a real one walks in. @rondarousey You better remember to bring everything you got, and I ain’t talking about your wrestling skills ? https://t.co/gps3xG84R4
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) January 20, 2019
Now Sasha Banks finally re-enters the title race picture, and while Rousey has had some solid competition in the past with the likes of Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss, The Boss has been playing some excellent mind games to truly get under her skin.
But, does Banks have what it takes to dethrone Rousey at the Royal Rumble?
On the one hand, it seems very unlikely that Banks can swoop in on the cusp of Wrestlemania season, and take the title from Rousey right before WWE’s flagship event. After all, rumors have been buzzing for months now that The Baddest Woman on the Planet is set to close the show, and in order to do this, she would need that coveted RAW Women’s title around her waist. Besides, shouldn’t something as big as a “first loss” (singles competition wise) from Ronda happen at WM (if it happens at all)? Rousey retaining at the Royal Rumble seems like a no-brainer. Not to mention the fact that the Women’s Tag Team titles are on the horizon, with the Hug Boss Connection being a duo that seems on the top of the chain to become first-ever champions in this regard.
I love learning from @scottdawson. To become a tag team specialist, you gotta learn with the best. #purposetour
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) December 30, 2018
However, with us living in a (so-called) new WWE era, where the Universe should come to expect the unexpected, what if a twist was thrown into the mix, and Sasha Banks defeated Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble? The idea that Banks can beat Ronda isn’t something that needs to be sold to the fans, it’s the concept of the higher powers that be allowing Ronda to lose, especially right before Wrestlemania; this would require a solid and compelling storyline. Banks is not only a viable competitor, but also part of the NXT’s Four Horsewomen; a group that not only rivals Ronda’s MMA Four Horsewomen (all of which who are currently in NXT), but a group where two fellow members happen to be mortal enemies of Rousey at this point: Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair. Should Flair and Lynch be compelled to add an assist on Sunday to Banks, this could not only prolong the feud going on between Flair, Lynch, and Rousey, but might also launch something bigger heading into WM 35 between the other ladies within the respective NXT and WWE Four Horsewomen groups.
Moreover, there is plenty of time between Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania, other PPVs and opportunities for Rousey to regain her RAW Women’s Championship. Another failed attempt from Banks (as a new champion) to retain her title after one defense would also enhance this storyline (and asterisk) that is attached to The Boss and her women’s championship reign storyline.
When I look back at my life, where I came from, where I started, and how I got here. I can’t help but be grateful for the people who played a role in my life; silent but powerful roles. Some of them will never know who they are but I am grateful, and I want to say thank you.
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) December 25, 2018
Alas, who knows what the outcome will be come Sunday, but one thing is for sure: the rivalry and Royal Rumble match between Sasha Banks and Ronda Rousey has been well built, keeping fans tuned in and invested in this Road to Wrestlemania program.
