On the January 30th episode of WWE Raw, Rhea Ripley announced that she will be facing Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Title at WrestleMania 39.
Ripley’s decision came after she entered the women’s Royal Rumble match at number one and out-lasted 29 other women to claim a memorable victory. However, with Ripley deciding to face Flair, this meant that Bianca Belair is without an opponent for WrestleMania. Something Adam Pearce decided on Raw that he needed to fix.
After it was announced that Liv Morgan, Asuka, Raquel Rodriguez, and Nikki Cross will be featuring in the match, the first qualifying bout was set for SmackDown.
FOUR women fighting for a chance to compete at #WWEChamber…
Who will move one step closer to facing @BiancaBelairWWE for the #WWERaw Women's Championship at #WrestleMania? @NatbyNature@ShotziWWE@ZelinaVegaWWE@QoSBaszler#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/4C7Zs9sPYu
— WWE (@WWE) February 4, 2023
On the blue brand, Natalya battled Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, and Zelina Vega for the right to be added to the match at Elimination Chamber. After just over seven minutes it was Natalya who picked up the win via a Sharpshooter on Zelina Vega.
Three Matches Are Now Confirmed For WWE Elimination Chamber
The men’s Elimination Chamber match will see Austin Theory defend his United States Title against five rivals. On Raw, Seth Rollins, Johnny Gargano, and Bronson Reed all qualified.
Interestingly it has been reported that Theory is heading for a huge WrestleMania 39 clash with John Cena.
Elsewhere on SmackDown, The Usos got new number-one contenders for their SmackDown Tag Team Titles. in the opening match of the night, the unlikely team of Ricochet and Braun Strowman earned a win over Imperium. The rivals-turned-friends scored the win after a Monster Bomb from Strowman on Ludwig Kaiser, followed up by Richochet hitting a Swanton from Strowman’s shoulders.
In the main event segment, Roman Reigns said he wanted to give his side of the story about the events at the Royal Rumble. As the Tribal Chief began with his lopsided rationale, he was jumped by a hooded figure which turned out to be Sami Zayn.
The former Honorary Uce then challenged Reigns to a match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. After Zayn was jumped by Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, Reigns accepted, setting up the match in Montreal.