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On last night's SmackDown Live episode, Charlotte Flair took part in a backstage interview and expressed her dismay over being ignored for the SmackDown Women's Championship match at SummerSlam.
The way Flair had attacked Ember Moon and Bayley before her interview on SmackDown, it looked like we may get a triple threat title match on August 11. However, the WWE Creative seems to have grander plans for The Queen. According to the rumor mill, Flair could go one-on-one with Trish Stratus at The Biggest Party of the Summer.
The Queen had broken Trish Stratus' record for the most championship wins in WWE after winning her 8th Women's title in March 2019. She has even changed her Twitter profile's name to Queen of all Eras.
These signs indicate that the rumor of Stratus making a return to the ring once again are potentially true. And so, here are the 3 reasons why WWE is booking this match
#3 To have fresh faces in the championship picture
There is a reason Charlotte Flair is a 9-time Women’s Champion while Ember Moon is yet to have a singles title match at a WWE pay-per-view. And, that reason is the WWE Creative’s desire to have Flair in the title picture all the time. If one has a look at The Queen’s WWE career, one will come to know of the many opportunities she has received.
There’s nothing against Charlotte here, she is The Genetically Superior Athlete but the fans need some new faces in the title picture. They cheered heavily for the Shenom when Bayley picked her as her next opponent. But, this move would have forced the writers to keep Flair away from SummerSlam.
Hence, they have made a smart move and have planned a match between Charlotte and Trish Stratus for SummerSlam.
#2 To hype WWE SummerSlam
Unlike the previous 3 of the big 4 pay-per-views, WWE SummerSlam does not have a specific gimmick match which attracts the fans towards the show. This forces the WWE Creative to think out of the box and book dream matches for the show. They teased a dream match between Dolph Ziggler and Shawn Michaels on SmackDown Live hence, it is no surprise that WWE is planning a dream match on the women’s side as well.
Though the SmackDown Women’s Championship match promises to deliver, it does not have a big name which would attract the casual fans. Even Becky Lynch’s momentum has taken a dip. Thus, to book a cross-generational match between Stratus and Flair could prove to be a genius move from WWE’s side.
This bout has the potential to keep both the casual and the smart fans invested in the pay-per-view. Also, given that SummerSlam is taking place in Trish Stratus’ hometown, the energy in the crowd for this match would be unreal.
#1 Set the stage for a grand Ronda Rousey return
Shayna Baszler perhaps sent a cryptic message to the WWE Universe via her latest Instagram post. Three of MMA’s Four Horsewomen held 4 fingers up while posing for the photo backstage on RAW Reunion. Though this post could not have any intent of teasing the return of Ronda Rousey, the WWE Universe feels that this was a secret hint.
Given how big a Superstar Rousey is, it is surprising that WWE has not booked her to return to SummerSlam. She had won her first-ever RAW Women’s Championship at the same event last year hence, the fans expected her to be back in time for the Biggest Party of the Summer. There’s no rumor to explain why Rousey has not returned but, WWE may plan a mega rivalry between The Baddest Woman on the Planet and The Queen after SummerSlam.
Now, Trish Stratus would certainly not emerge victorious in front of her home fans which means Flair would receive thunderous boos from the live audience. This would set the stage for the big return of Ronda Rousey and she can kick off the feud by beating the heck out of Flair after the match.
This feud would keep both Rousey and Flair away from the title picture whilst entertaining the fans as well. Also, SmackDown will move to FOX soon and the FOX officials want serious wrestling content on the show.
It seems like WWE have a master plan in place and let us hope that this plan is executed to perfection.
