WWE Backlash 2018: Five Cross-Brand Women’s Matches We Want To See

Credit: WWE.com

RUBY RIOTT VS SONYA DEVILLE

It’s time for WWE to figure out what they’re going to do with Absolution and the Riott Squad. Given Paige’s unfortunate retirement (and welcome transition into SmackDown GM), Absolution lacks an anchor and purpose. The Riott Squad looks like its having fun holding it down over on Raw, but the likelihood of a good payoff from just repeating the story arc they had on SmackDown is iffy. With the potential of Women’s Tag Team Titles still very much in question, now is a good time for the women in these stables to begin to distinguish themselves as singles competitors.

Currently, the two strongest in-ring talents on these teams are Ruby Riott and Sonya Deville. Before Ruby was on the Riott Squad, she was a thorn in the side of NXT’s women’s division and one of the strongest singles competitors on the brand. Ruby’s stock is also continuing to rise on the main roster.

Her Championship match with Charlotte was far and away one of the best matches either of them ever had on the SmackDown brand. While Sonya hasn’t had as much in-ring time as Ruby, she has had excellent matches against Sasha Banks and was a force to be reckoned with at Elimination Chamber. Sonya’s MMA style brings something new and interesting to the current women’s division, and a cross-brand feud would be a good chance to develop and establish it further. 

As for the score to settle, Sonya sidelined Ruby from action on NXT with an ankle injury just before Ruby left for SmackDown. As a result, Ruby’s last matches on NXT were both grudgematches with Sonya- the last of which Ruby lost. We know Ruby Riott holds grudges, and we know Sonya Deville is eager to prove herself. Put them in the ring together and see what happens.