For the past several weeks, WWE has been airing vignettes hyping the inevitable debut of Rhea Ripley. Having been an NXT during the last few years, it was made clear that “The Nightmare” herself would be making her way to Monday Night RAW. What fans didn’t expect that, on her first night, she would be making the biggest statement possible. She stepped up to the top women’s star in the company, RAW Women’s Champion Asuka, challenging her on “The Grandest Stage of Them All.”
On this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, Asuka was challenged by Peyton Royce. This was a surprisingly competitive encounter, with Royce putting forth her strongest performance against the reigning RAW Women’s Champion. However, despite her best efforts, the former member of The IIconics was unable to withstand the champion’s offense. Royce submitted to the Asuka Lock, awarding the RAW Women’s Titleholder the victory. As Asuka celebrated in the ring, she was interrupted by the debuting Rhea Ripley.
NIGHTMARE vs. EMPRESS.@RheaRipley_WWE wants @WWEAsuka for the #WWERaw #WomensTitle at #WrestleMania! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/JTy5eISoXq
— WWE (@WWE) March 23, 2021
Taking a mic, Ripley gave Asuka praise for her dominance as RAW Women’s Champion. However, her praise would be short-lived. “Asuka, I’m going to need an answer,” said Ripley. “The Nightmare” would also mention that while Charlotte Flair initially challenged Asuka for the title, “The Queen” was currently recovering from COVID-19. From there, Ripley challenged Asuka to a RAW Women’s Title match at WrestleMania 37. Not backing down from the challenge, Asuka seemed to welcome the opportunity. She told Ripley that she isn’t ready for the champion before officially accepting the challenge.
After the commercial break, WWE made the match official – at WrestleMania 37, Asuka will defend the RAW Women’s Championship against the newcomer, Rhea Ripley. It’s important to note that Ripley is no stranger to being a titleholder in WWE. In addition to being the first-ever NXT UK Women’s Champion in 2018, she won the NXT Women’s Championship the year after. During both reigns, “The Nightmare” established herself as a dominant WWE Superstar. Can she add another accolade to her list by besting “The Empress of Tomorrow” for the RAW Women’s Title?
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