In recent weeks SmackDown’s women have seen an increase in their television time often across multiple segments. A new reports claims this has been far from a coincidence.
In the months after WrestleMania 38 the SmackDown women’s roster has seen something of a shake-up. Former champion Charlotte Flair is currently on hiatus, Lacey Evans has returned and the ranks has been bolstered by Raquel Rodriguez’ call-up to the main roster.
The reinvention was capped off at Money In The Bank, where Liv Morgan cashed in her newly won briefcase to defeat Ronda Ronda Rousey and become SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Interestingly, a new report has suggested that the women themselves may have played a part in the changes.
The report from Fightful Select notes that many women in the company had been pushing for SmackDown’s female stars to be featured more heavily. “Several” female talent were said to be “frustrated” at being underutilised on the show. However, many were waiting to see “where the chips fell” before taking their frustration to upper management.
Some of those “chips” were reportedly the returns of Asuka and Lacey Evans as well as Charlotte Flair taking time off. While another key component was Ronda Rousey moving to the blue brand. The report adds that numerous sources have said that Rousey has been willing to work with a variety of talent on the show.
One of those same sources said that at one stage it felt like Vince McMahon was more concerned with getting himself on-screen in the wake of the recent allegations made against him, than featuring female talent.