Since WrestleMania 39, Rhea Ripley has been reminding everyone why she’s one of the most feared names in WWE. Her dominance as Smackdown Women’s Champion saw her crush Zelina Vega’s dreams in Puerto Rico, and now – she looks to take down a legendary name in the women’s division.
For many years, Natalya was the standard bearer for technical wrestling in WWE, being a graduate of the Hart Dungeon. Tonight, she has a chance to show her skills once again – as she goes one on one with Ripley, with gold on the line.
Rhea Ripley Gives Natalya No Chance Of Victory
Dominik Mysterio was in the corner of Ripley, and would distract the veteran as this match began. Ripley would attack Natayla from behind, before shoving her to the floor.
Natalya would be smashed face first off the announce table, and then off the steel steps before being rolled back into the ring. Ripley kept the pressure on with a headbutt, before nailing Riptide for the victory.
The Smackdown Women’s Champion does not get paid by the hour – simply looking to annihilate her opponents. That’s defence number two, and her next opponent can expect to be treated the exact same way.
With The Judgement Day around to help throw her opponents off their game, it’s hard to look at Ripley as anything but the most dominant force in the women’s division.
Cody Rhodes Is A Wounded Animal
Cody Rhodes was able to outsmart Brock Lesnar in Puerto Rico, countering the Kimura Lock into a pinfall to get the victory. This would not sit well with Lesnar, who would attack Rhodes – costing him his chance to claim the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the process.
Lesnar would further escalate things with a series of attacks on Rhodes, leaving Rhodes with a broken arm ahead of the rematch tonight.
Despite this injury, Rhodes would not shy away from his second round with Lesnar. Sporting a titanium cast on his left arm, Rhodes is able to compete – but would use his speed to free from Lesnar as this match began.
Lesnar would chase Rhodes down and launch him with a suplex across the ring. Another suplex followed, with Rhodes landing on the broken arm.
Realising he had a titanium cast on, Rhodes would use it as a weapon to send Lesnar flying to the floor. A diving double axe handle would land on the head of Lesnar, before being rolled into the ring for the CodyCutter. Two Cross Rhodes would land, with Lesnar now sweating – and applying the Kimura to the broken arm.
Refusing To Tap Out To Brock Lesnar – But Losing All The Same
Rhodes would try to use a pinfall to get free, but was unable to repeat the finish of Backlash. Lesnar would wrench the hold in tighter – and Rhodes would fade from the pain.
He’d find a second wind, and managed to get the bottom rope. F5 would be countered, and another Cross Rhodes would follow for a two count.
Rhodes would smash Lesnar with the cast twice, only to be lifted into an F5 – before the Kimura Lock would be reapplied. Rhodes survived last time – but Lesnar would trap Rhodes in the middle of the ring. He passed out from the pain – and Lesnar kept the hold intact after winning the match.
A message was sent – and Rhodes has suffered another crushing loss as he tries to play at the main event level in WWE. Will Rhodes look for another round with Lesnar? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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