7 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown: Happy New Year (Dec 30)
5. Can’t Deny The Chemistry
Last week's 'Gauntlet' and Raquel Rodriguez making Shayna Baszler look like a clown wasn't exactly top build, but Raquel vs. Ronda II still delivered when it mattered. These two do have chemistry together, so this is a match WWE can revisit when they fancy putting a singles belt on Rodriguez in the future.
Look out for that one.
In fairness, Ronda and Raquel did everything they could to sell the latter's battered wing throughout. Also, and this is well-worth mentioning, Cole and Wade Barrett did a sterling job of hyping up the title bout as equal to anything else on the show (John Cena and all). That was superb commentary, for the record.
It's regrettable that Rousey was creatively neutered immediately after a strong title defence like this though, especially when it was one of the best matches she's worked all year. Oh well, at least Raquel is free of the unwanted Aliyah/Shotzi tandems that were holding her back.