WWE: Naomi, Mandy Rose providing another example of fighting for an opportunity

Mandy Rose has been arguably the most improved wrestler on the WWE main roster this year after being an unexpected call-up in November 2017. It looks like her first real feud as a singles competitor could come against former SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi, as the two have done an excellent job of pushing for a match.

Ever since WWE switched to dual-branded Pay Per Views at Backlash this May, there hasn’t been a women’s singles match on the main card of a PPV. Naomi and Asuka vs. the IIconics in Melbourne, Australia was the only women’s match on the main card, and Ruby Riott vs. Bayley on the Backlash pre-show was the only singles match.

At TLC this Sunday, that will change when Ruby Riott and Natalya face off in a Tables match. Though the build has been uncomfortable, given that it focuses on Jim Neidhart’s death and involves some despicable lines from the heel, Ruby and Natalya have done a great job of getting fans invested in Nattie winning at TLC. The women of WWE have to work twice as hard to get on a Pay Per View if a title isn’t on the line, and these two should be applauded for their work.

Naomi and Mandy Rose have earned some praise, too. Although they don’t have a match announced for TLC, fans have been wondering if they could potentially be added to the card after being snubbed on the most recent episode of SmackDown Live.

These two superstars have been trading verbal blows on Twitter for the past week, and Mandy has antagonized herself against everyone in the SmackDown locker room, with the exception of long-time tag team partner Sonya Deville.

While Naomi and Mandy were supposed to have a match on the go-home show before TLC, they were scratched from the show, unsurprisingly incensing Naomi’s fans. Paige blamed the lack of a match between them on The Miz, who has been a long-time thorn in her side. But outside of kayfabe, it’s rather puzzling that these two didn’t face off, given how interesting the back-and-forths have been. I mean, Paige even announced the match ahead of time.

(Note: Cageside Seats wrote in their “Rumor Roundup” that Mandy may have been unable to compete this week on SmackDown due to an illness.)

But like, just LOOK at this savagery and tell me this isn’t a feud that needs to go down.

https://twitter.com/WWE_MandyRose/status/1071474779436273665

https://twitter.com/WWE_MandyRose/status/1072588921605890062

https://twitter.com/NaomiWWE/status/1072948743853432832

https://twitter.com/WWE_MandyRose/status/1072959293463384065

Now that is a story told over the course of several days on social media, and it absolutely should culminate in a match. Mandy is out there calling Naomi “sis” (no…just…no) and not-so-subtly bringing The Usos in this while feigning innocence.

Rose is the classic example of a talented WWE Superstar looking to get ahead by targeting a former champion, but Naomi isn’t necessarily the wisest person to mess with, especially since she’s wrestling at a high level in her tag team with Asuka (hell, she probably picked up a few tips, such as perfecting that submission she used to win the title at WrestleMania 33).

The fact that this match was suddenly pulled from SmackDown despite being announced before the show makes me wonder if they will be added to the TLC card. Even a pre-show match between these two to get the crowd going would be fun, and they’ve done a fantastic job of making this personal – all the strength of their own creativity.

It’s worth taking some time to praise Rose for becoming a strong promo and owning a top-notch Twitter game. Her promo on the entire SmackDown Women’s Division before Survivor Series certainly caught the eye, and she was the show-stealer during the elimination match itself, showcasing her improved in-ring skills.

Meanwhile, Naomi is a fixture in WWE as one of its most experienced performers. Her wit is among the quickest in the company, even if she doesn’t get her due credit as a promo. In the ring, Naomi is solid, and her breathtaking, fast-paced, and incredibly creative style should juxtaposed nicely with Mandy’s tough, old-school approach that focuses on brute power and arrogance.

Rose vs. Naomi is an example of two superstars creating their own rivalry, pushing for their own TV time, and mobilizing their loyal fans. While it was disappointing that we didn’t get to see them square off on SmackDown Live this week, perhaps a TLC match will take place.