WWE Fastlane 2018: Let’s Say Nice Things About Charlotte Flair vs. Ruby Riott

Nowhere To Go But Up

If you were among the many who disliked the Riott Squad vs. Charlotte/Becky/Naomi story, then the great news is that it’ll be over and done with after Fastlane. Riott will have very likely lost her chance at the SmackDown Women’s Championship, but by taking Charlotte to the brink in her first title defense of 2018, Ruby will have earned everyone’s respect on the main roster as a competitor. Which, you know, is kind of the whole point of this story from a writer’s perspective. (And yes, I know that it isn’t easy to see the point.)

Furthermore, the Riott Squad may lose influence and may move on to other things. Maybe we’ll get to see more of Natalya and Carmella on television, since some of us have missed watching the two of them. More importantly, it could open things up for Naomi and Becky. I know some fantasize about a heel turn from Becky and a Becky/Charlotte WrestleMania match. While that doesn’t seem to be likely, it isn’t impossible. (Cue the, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance…” GIF.)

Oh, and there’s a Superstar Shakeup/Draft coming after WrestleMania, if you really want to think long-term.

Either way, SmackDown Live will have no choice but to do something different – and likely more interesting – with their women after Fastlane concludes this Ruby Riott vs. Charlotte storyline.

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Or so I think…but hey, as I said, I’d prefer to be optimistic, and there’s a chance the “Blue Brand” decides to get its act together. After all, prior to the Riott Squad segment, they used to make an effort to get all of their women on the show in some way. Sure, it was in poorly-written segments that threw all the women together, but, hey, at least we got to see them. While it wasn’t ideal, it was better than what most fans have seen so far in 2018.