When you’re a babyface title challenger in pro wrestling, sometimes you just need something to level the playing field for you. Raquel Rodriguez is hoping she has that going for her tonight on WWE Raw from Norfolk as she once again challenges Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship.
Rodriguez has shown that she’s one of few, if not the only member of the women’s roster who can say she’s Ripley’s physical equal in the ring. She proved that again at Payback, but lost in large part due to intervention by “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio on Rhea’s behalf.
With Dom banned from ringside for the rematch tonight, it should be a fair fight. Alas, the word “should” is doing a lot of work there because there are still the other members of The Judgment Day to consider … not to mention that try-hard JD McDonagh who could easily attempt to ensure Ripley remains champion to curry more favor with the group.
In contrast to Ripley, Gunther is a champion who seems to have his toughest challenges behind him for now. The Ring General bested Chad Gable last week on Raw and became the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, and he’s in a mood to celebrate tonight. The thing is, title parties often become the place where new challengers decide to make their presence known, and one can’t help but wonder who might show up to spoil the bash in Virginia.
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WWE also says we’ll hear from Cody Rhodes tonight. Could it be for the last time on Raw? When the American Nightmare engineered the arrival of Jey Uso on Monday nights, it also came with a trade that would send one superstar to SmackDown. That person has yet to be identified, and it would make a lot of sense if it’s Rhodes himself heading to the blue brand to continue his pursuit of Roman Reigns’ titles. Something to think about when Rhodes asks us what we want to talk about tonight.
On top of all of that, a bunch of people weren’t exactly thrilled to see Jey last Monday since, you know, the last time they saw him was probably when he was trying to bash their heads in as part of The Bloodline. He may have to prove himself a bit more before he finds more allies beyond Sami Zayn.
All of that and more are in store tonight, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Be sure to tune in to USA, or join us back here at Wrestling Junkie for live WWE Raw results and updates.