WWE Rumors: Why Vince McMahon had Rousey lose via roll up and not submission at WrestleMania

What's the story?

There's been a lot of speculation about the finish to the WrestleMania 35 main event, the Triple Threat Winner Takes All match between Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair. However, Justin Barrasso from Sports Illustrated has reported that the controversial finish was to set up a rematch for next year's WrestleMania 36.

In case you didn't know...

Lynch reversed the Piper's Pit from Rousey into a Crucifix pin and the referee counted a quick three-count. After the match, Rousey complained her shoulders were up and the commentary drew attention to the fact.

Some wrestling journalists have reported that the pinfall was a botch and the referee shoudn't have counted the three count as fast, others have reported that Lynch was supposed to tap out Rousey, or that McMahon possibly called an audible to cut the match short.

Whereas both Barrasso and Dave Meltzer have reported that the finish was as intended, however, Meltzer reported that Rousey's shoulders being up was a botch, whilst Barrasso has suggested it was deliberate.

The heart of the matter

But why would WWE not have one of Lynch or Flair, whose finishers are submission moves not decisively tap out Rousey, especially if she's not hanging around afterwards? Well, Barrasso has hinted it's all part of the plan.

The loss marked Rousey’s first defeat in WWE, and the finish of the match was designed to protect Rousey and keep her character strong. Because Rousey got her shoulder up for part of the pinfall that ended the match, the finish protects her and allows her to say Lynch did not legitimately defeat her. WWE officials have tentatively slated Rousey to wrestle Lynch in a rematch at WrestleMania 36 in Tampa on April 5, 2020.

What's next?

Becky Lynch finally getting a singles match against Ronda Rousey would be a good way to pay off the two years of the storyline between the two women! I'm all for it.

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Do you want to see Rousey Vs Lynch at next year's WrestleMania? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!