Recent events from Friday Night SmackDown have reignited fan speculations about the possibility of Rhea Ripley stepping into the ring for a dream match at the WWE Survivor Series 2023. This isn't just any dream bout; it's a match that was tantalizingly close to reality once before, only to be thwarted by unforeseen circumstances.
In the days preceding Vince McMahon's retirement and the subsequent ushering in of Triple H's creative vision for WWE, the stage was set for Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley to face off at Money in the Bank 2022. While many insiders and fans believed the showdown deserved a grander buildup, an unfortunate injury to The Eradicator put those plans on hold.
Flash forward to recent events, Bianca Belair made a triumphant return to Friday Night SmackDown, rescuing Charlotte Flair from an onslaught led by Bayley and IYO SKY. This dramatic intervention has led many to speculate that Belair might be gearing up to challenge and possibly overthrow The Genius of the Sky.
Always on the hunt for championship gold, Belair would undoubtedly relish the chance to reclaim the title from the very woman who blindsided her at WWE SummerSlam. A victory in this context would be a monumental career milestone for Belair.
With Survivor Series slated as the next Premium Live Event post-Crown Jewel, there's rising anticipation for a Champion vs. Champion faceoff between RAW and SmackDown. If the cards fall right, fans might finally witness the long-awaited Belair vs.
Ripley clash on the grand stage. While the prospect of Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair is undoubtedly tantalizing, it hinges on numerous factors, including Belair's path to the championship gold. However, recent shifts in the WWE landscape, such as brand rivalry, are promising indicators.
Hostility Erupts on SmackDown
A significant development from last week's SmackDown was Triple H's announcement of Adam Pearce taking the reins as RAW's new General Manager, with Nick Aldis helming SmackDown. Initially advocating for amicable competition, the tone shifted to overt hostility this week.
Jey Uso's quest for retribution against his twin, stemming from Jimmy's actions on RAW, led to a heated confrontation with Aldis. The consequent fallout saw both Uso and Pearce expelled from the venue. Adam Pearce's cryptic "let the games begin" comment, especially in light of rumors about the WarGames Match's return at Survivor Series, is certainly something fans and pundits will be watching closely.