WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Results, Highlights, and Grades
This is about to BOIL OVER.
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) January 28, 2019
The #RAW #WomensTitle is on the line RIGHT NOW LIVE on @WWENetwork as @RondaRousey defends against @SashaBanksWWE! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/fBwwXrKV9O
Raw Women’s Championship Match: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks
Next up it was time for Ronda Rousey to defend the Raw Women’s Championship against “The Boss” Sasha Banks. Things were heated right from the start, with both superstars showing their confidence as things got rolling. Rousey went for the Three Amigos early, but Sasha countered it before Rousey could finish.
Things spilled to the outside shortly after, and Ronda Rousey went for a big strike on Sasha. Unfortunately, The Boss ducked out of the way and Ronda hit the turnbuckle post hard. This would turn out to be crucial throughout the match, as Sasha Banks targeted the injured hand and arm of Rousey from then on, even locking on this vicious armbar.
With Sasha Banks in control, she locked on the Bank Statement, but it wasn’t over just yet. Rousey got out and went for Piper’s Pit, nailing it, but she couldn’t go for the cover thanks to the damage to her arm. Rousey did managed to lock Sasha in a triangle over the ropes for a few moments before things spilled to the outside.
Sasha went for a suicide dive, but Rousey caught her and quickly locked in the armbar. Sasha began to frantically tap, but it didn’t count because they were on the outside. Back in the ring, Sasha ate a big knee to the face but kicked out of Rousey’s accompanying pin attempt.
Can't win it like this, @RondaRousey! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/eqZdzAUmbI
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 28, 2019
Ronda started looking for the armbar once again, but Sasha slipped away and locked in the Bank Statement. Sasha continued to wrench on the neck and even stomp at the hand of Rousey, but the champion still got to the ropes. Sasha turned it into a fujiwara armbar, but Rousey fought out and finally planted her with Piper’s Pit and collapsed into a successful cover to retain her title.
Result: Ronda Rousey def. Sasha Banks to retain the Raw Women’s Championship
Grade: A+, This match had to deal with a lot of hype, but succeeded in living up to that hype. Rousey looked fantastic and fought through a lot of pain, finally picking up the win. Sasha threw up the Four Horsewomen hand sign before heading to the back.