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RAW this week was full of highs and lows, across three hours. If you want a recap of how the event went, I suggest you read my 'Best and Worst' recap or any of the other articles on the website. One of the most noteworthy things on the show happened at the tail end of it. Sasha Banks defeated Nia Jax to become the new number 1 contender.
This means that Sasha Banks will now face Ronda Rousey for her title at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. This will be the first meeting of the two women. I must say that as a fan of both, I'm intrigued to see how it plays out.
Of course, some of you are wondering why Sasha Banks earned this coveted spot? Let me try and answer this question in five points.
As always, please feel free to leave a comment and challenge my opinions.
#5 To give the fans what they want
Remember the Gauntlet match that Natalya ended up winning to earn a title shot against Ronda Rousey? Well, Sasha Banks was in the final 2 with Rousey in the match and WWE Universe was firmly behind her. In fact, many assumed that she would be the one to win the contest.
The McMahons have taken over and they are all about giving the audience what they've been asking for. Sasha Banks has been relegated to the back of the line for far too long. It's time for her to get the spotlight again and the new babyface regime is ensuring this.
Of course, one wonders if Banks will actually go over in the match. I don't see Rousey losing her title anytime soon.
#4 Banks can get a great match out of Rousey
Much like her idol Eddie Guerrero, Sasha Banks prides herself on putting on great matches with everyone. As impressive as Rousey has been, she is still green in the ring. Many of her matches are rehearsed in advance. The one that wasn't, the one with Natalya, wasn't good.
Sasha Banks is a consummate worker and she can push Rousey to the limit and get a good match from her. Much like a Dolph Ziggler or a Finn Balor, she can sell for her opponent in the ring in a manner that is believable. It would also be a different dynamic for Ronda Rousey.
Even though she's worked with Natalya not long ago, this will be the first time, she goes up against a fellow babyface. And therefore, it opens up a whole world of possibilities when the match finally comes around.
#3 This could be her final singles feud for a while at least
Vince McMahon dressed up as Santa Claus, two RAW episodes ago and made a big announcement on TV. He said that the women's tag team titles would be introduced in the year 2019. Sasha Banks and Bayley are the clear favourites to win this title.
We know that even if they do not become the inaugural champions, they will hold the belts somewhere down the line. And this means that Sasha Banks will not be competing in the singles division for a while following the Rousey feud.
It makes all the sense in the world to have her go out with a big bang. It does not get bigger than facing the RAW Women's Champion in a singles match at the Royal Rumble.
Sasha Banks is an incredible performer and hasn't been afforded the opportunities that she should.
#2 Rousey has faced almost every other believable opponent already
There are only a handful of women who have been booked as top superstars in the RAW women's division. Ronda Rousey made short work of heels like Nikki Bella and Alexa Bliss. She even put the threat of Nia Jax to rest, extending her dominant run.
Sasha Banks is one of the few women in the roster that she has not crossed paths with, at least yet. One can also make the same argument about Ruby Riott but I suppose Banks has a lot more experience. It's not a believable contest to pit Riott against Rousey in a title match.
Others like Ember Moon have a long way to go before they are in the same conversation as the Rowdy one, in my estimation. The remaining, from Mickie James to Alicia Fox, just haven't been booked as anything but mere sidekicks.
#1 Ronda Rousey is most likely going to make Banks tap
Sasha Banks is one of the greatest in-ring performers in the women's division right now. But the fact remains that Ronda Rousey has bigger plans for WrestleMania 35. From the rumour mills, it seems like she will face off with Becky Lynch or Charlotte Flair. Or maybe both.
Therefore, the Royal Rumble match is just to get Rousey on the card, and for her to make Sasha Banks tap out. Banks' job at the pay-per-view will be to merely make Ronda Rousey seem like a believable threat. Her job is to get her primed and ready for the contest that will take place at WrestleMania.
Of course, this is a tragedy but what can one do. Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair are just two more dominant superstars.
Why do you think Sasha Banks is teeing off against Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view?
