It has been announced that Ronda Rousey will take on SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania Backlash in an “I Quit” Match.
At WrestleMania 38, Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey squared off in a hugely physical contest for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
In the lead up to the match, Rousey promised to make Flair tap out in the middle of the ring, and she delivered on that promise in Dallas, Texas. However, as Flair was submitting, referee Charles Robinson was down having been accidentally taken out by The Queen.
Upset at the official missing her effectively winning the match, Rousey relinquished the hold and attempted to revive Robinson. But as the referee got back to his feet, Flair flatted the challenger with a Big Boot before pinning her to retain her championship.
On the following episode of SmackDown, Rousey addressed her defeat, not willing to let Flair off the hook. In an interview opening the show, the former UFC star challenged Flair to an “I Quit” Match. At this, Flair appeared on the big screen before turning down the offer.
As the show continued, Rousey lobbied for her rematch, but was unsuccessful. Despite this, the match has now been made official for WrestleMania Backlash.
At time of writing, there have been no other matches announced for the show in Providence, Rhode Island on May 8th.
The rematch is OFFICIAL! @MsCharlotteWWE defends the #SmackDown Women's Title against @RondaRousey in an "I Quit" Match at #WMBacklashhttps://t.co/Rv7KVS4f6Opic.twitter.com/v9farvSIG4
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2022
The April 8th episode of Friday Night SmackDown also saw three NXT Superstars make their debuts on the main roster.
First up was Gunther who was introduced by his partner in Imperium, Marcel Barthel. Although Barthel is now known as Ludwig Kaiser. In the ring, Gunther demolished Joe Alonzo in short order.
Gunther’s debut was swiftly followed by former NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez, who has been renamed Raquel Rodriguez. The NXT star cut a promo backstage where she praised the strength of the SmackDown locker room, before threatening that no one was ready for her.