Ronda Rousey Wasn’t Supposed To Lose Her Title Until The Royal Rumble

Ronda Rousey hasn’t been seen on WWE television since she dropped the SmackDown Women’s Title to Charlotte Flair. Although it seemed that she might start a tag team with Shayna Baszler, that cooled off too. Now, fans are waiting to see her again, but it seems there were some ideas for her that just didn’t work out prior to this hiatus. She also dropped her title far sooner than anyone planned as well.

Sean Sapp reported behind Fightful’s paywall that, “the last several weeks have seen some significant changes to the women’s title programs that were tentatively planned for the first quarter of WWE in 2023.”

The report went on to say that Ronda Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Title match against Raquel Rodriguez was not supposed to go down until “a month later.” They were not supposed to tangle until the Royal Rumble, but they made a move to change plans.

The Ronda Rousey Smackdown Women’s Title defense against Raquel Rodriguez that took place on December 30, was actually originally planned to go down almost a full month later. Fightful has gained information that displays that the match was set for the WWE Royal Rumble as of early December. However, the move was made to add Rousey and Raquel’s match, and Charlotte Flair’s subsequent return and win to add more to the show.

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It was also noted that, “several WWE plans have changed as a result of this in relation to it.” Apparently, Charlotte Flair was “tentatively scheduled” on a “suggested matches list” to face Bianca Belair for the RAW Women’s Title. Rhea Ripley was supposed to take on Ronda Rousey, “but that’s when Rousey was still Champion.”

It was said that “Rousey was presented with several creative options, but they didn’t work out.” At that point, they decided to move the SmackDown Women’s Title match with Raquel Rodriguez up, and put the title on Charlotte Flair.

Those familiar with the situation claim that Rousey was presented with several creative options, but they didn’t work out. The decision was made to move the title match with Raquel up, and put the title on Charlotte.

We will have to see what happens next in this situation, but Ronda Rousey is currently not scheduled for the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match. Keep checking back with Ringside News for more.

What’s your take on this situation with Ronda Rousey? Sound off in the comments!