Ronda Rousey is back on WWE SmackDown.
Friday night’s SmackDown saw Rousey return to storylines, as had been rumored earlier in the day. She hadn’t appeared on WWE TV since losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Charlotte Flair in late December.
Natalya appeared in the ring during SmackDown to confront Shayna Baszler. In the storylines, Natalya recently returned from Baszler busting her nose, and last week she won the Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier over Baszler, Shotzi, and Zelina Vega. Natalya referred to Baszler as a “cheap knock-off of Ronda Rousey” on this week’s SmackDown and stated that after she wins at Elimination Chamber to advance to WrestleMania 39, Baszler will return to carrying Rousey’s bags.
Baszler then interrupted, saying she was tired of people dismissing her achievements, prompting a “knock-off Ronda!” chant from the fans. Baszler went on to say that she had been wrestling in rings before Rousey, and she had won titles in WWE before Rousey joined the company, so she doesn’t need Natalya and everyone else telling her she’s living in Rousey’s shadow. Rousey’s music started playing at that point, and she appeared to make her comeback.
Rousey entered the ring and locked her eyes on Baszler. She then approached Natalya, but Baszler stopped her. Rousey smiled as Baszler dropped Natalya with a cheap shot. Rousey and Baszler then double-teamed Natalya until Shotzi came up with the save, but Shotzi was also beaten and sent to the ground. Natalya was slammed and held for a knee strike from Baszler before they tossed her back to the floor. The segment came to a close with Rousey and Baszler standing tall to Rousey’s music, while Shotzi attended to Natalya at ringside.
WWE then announced a match between Rousey and Baszler and Natalya and Shotzi for next week’s SmackDown.
There has been no word on what WWE may have in store for Rousey and Baszler at Elimination Chamber. As PWMania.com previously reported, Rousey and Baszler are expected to face off against WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai and IYO SKY at WrestleMania 39.
Click here for WWE SmackDown results. You can check out highlights from the segment below:
