Newly added to the SmackDown Live roster, The Riott Squad wasted no time taking home the best promo from the week of WWE television programming.
On the November 20th episode of RAW, two-time champion, Paige, made her return to the WWE. That, in and out of it itself, wasn’t a massive shock. Rumors had been swirling for weeks that “The Anti-Diva’s” return was imminent, thus putting an end to her 15 month hiatus from the company. However, what was surprising was the company that she returned with.
In a trio we now know is dubbed “Absolution”, Paige enlisted the services of two former Tough Enough competitors in the form of Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. The group, so far at least, seems to be a success as they’ve spent their first two weeks since their return running roughshod over the red brands women’s roster.
However, the rather large shock in the women’s division happened the following night on SmackDown Live. Adding three women to any roster is a surprise, so to see it happen two nights in a row was somewhat stunning. But that’s exactly what happened when NXT alumni Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, and Sarah Logan arrived on the blue brand and immediately laid waste to the majority of the division. What was even more surprising was the choice in superstars to take on this role. Of the three, only Riott created any type of waves while on NXT, with Morgan and Logan being only fringe contenders.
But it seems like the decision to elevate these three women was the right one as they’ve taken SmackDown by storm in their first two weeks. Logan and Riott have the experience factor on their side. Known as Crazy Mary Dobson and Heidi Lovelace, respectively, on the independent scene, the duo has 12 years of pro wrestling experience under their belt and in fact, have gone to battle numerous times in independent promotions.
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Morgan, on the other hand, seems to be a blue chip prospect. With the looks, an ever-improving in-ring acumen, and a feisty attitude, the 23 year-old looks like a future star.
“The Riott Squad,” as they’ve dubbed themselves, spent the first week brutalizing the likes of Naomi, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch. Their second week ended in similar fashion as they sent Naomi out on a stretcher. But before they laid the hurt on their counterparts later on, the trio took on a backstage promo once again revealing their name and plans for domination.
Riott handled the majority of the promo and it appeared effortless to her. She was sharp, concise, and seemed like a natural talker. Morgan was used smartly, throwing in some confident quips and lively banter. And Logan, who appeared to be the least comfortable of the three was used smartly by throwing in just couple of sentences while posing as the muscle of the group.
There’s upside with all three members of The Riott Squad and this solid promo proved that all three women are versatile and camera-friendly. It’s been an outstanding start for this trio and as long as they continue to improve weekly, they seems legit. And as we all know, what you do in the ring in the WWE is only half the battle to becoming a star.
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To be honest, it wasn’t the best week for promos in the WWE. Without The Miz, Paul Heyman, or Dean Ambrose appearing on TV, the prize was up for grabs. And that’s why it was so important for Riott, Logan, and Morgan to have their moment to shine. It’s cashing-in on opportunities like this that can separate superstars and elevate careers. Fingers crosses, but The Riott Squad might be in for big things.