Becky Lynch Vs. Charlotte Flair Vs. Ronda Rousey: Wrestlemania
Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into one of the most iconic matches in WWE history: the triple threat between Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. This wasn't just a match; it was a culmination of intense rivalries, personal animosity, and the rise of Becky Lynch as "The Man." Let's break down what made this main event so unforgettable.
The Road to WrestleMania
The road to WrestleMania for Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey was nothing short of epic. It all began with Becky's rise to superstardom. Initially a beloved but somewhat overlooked talent, Becky transformed into "The Man" – a brash, confident, and unapologetic anti-hero who captured the hearts of the WWE Universe. Her momentum started building at SummerSlam 2018 when she turned on Charlotte Flair after Charlotte won the SmackDown Women's Championship. This betrayal marked a significant shift in Becky's character, turning her into the rebellious figure we all know and love.
Charlotte Flair, already established as a top-tier athlete and multi-time champion, added another layer of complexity to the storyline. Her natural athleticism, combined with her pedigree as Ric Flair's daughter, made her a constant threat and a perfect foil for Becky's newfound attitude. Charlotte's inclusion in the match guaranteed a high level of in-ring performance and a compelling dynamic with Becky.
Ronda Rousey's arrival in WWE brought mainstream attention to the women's division. As a former UFC champion, Ronda had the star power and credibility to elevate any storyline she was part of. Her initial run was dominant, but as the rivalry with Becky intensified, cracks began to show, adding a layer of vulnerability to her character. This vulnerability made the feud even more captivating, as fans wondered if the newcomer could withstand the combined force of Becky and Charlotte.
The initial plan was for Becky Lynch to face Ronda Rousey in a one-on-one match at Survivor Series 2018. However, an unfortunate injury – a legitimate concussion and broken nose suffered during a brawl with Nia Jax – forced Becky to be pulled from the match. Charlotte Flair was chosen as her replacement, setting the stage for a triple threat showdown at WrestleMania. This change in plans only heightened the anticipation, as fans were eager to see Becky finally get her hands on both Ronda and Charlotte on the grandest stage of them all.
The Buildup and Hype
The buildup to this WrestleMania main event was masterfully executed. WWE capitalized on the real-life animosity and competitive spirit among the three women, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the feud, with Becky, Charlotte, and Ronda engaging in heated exchanges and personal attacks that felt incredibly genuine.
Becky Lynch's arrest on Raw after attacking Ronda Rousey added fuel to the fire. This segment, which saw Becky being led away in handcuffs, further solidified her rebellious persona and generated even more sympathy from the fans. It was a brilliant move that emphasized her defiance and willingness to go to any lengths to get to WrestleMania.
The suspension of Becky Lynch by Stephanie McMahon and the subsequent replacement of Becky with Charlotte only intensified the storyline. Fans were outraged that Becky was being denied her rightful opportunity, and they rallied behind her even more fiercely. This sense of injustice made the eventual reinstatement of Becky and the confirmation of the triple threat match all the more satisfying.
The inclusion of the Raw Women's Championship added significant stakes to the match. Originally, the SmackDown Women's Championship was the only title on the line, but the decision to make it a Winner Takes All match elevated the importance of the contest. It signified that this wasn't just about personal vendettas; it was about crowning the undisputed queen of WWE's women's division.
The security footage angles and backstage brawls kept the rivalry fresh and unpredictable. These segments allowed the women to showcase their physicality and intensity outside the confines of the ring, making the feud feel more visceral and personal. The constant attacks and ambushes kept fans on the edge of their seats, wondering what would happen next.
The Match Itself
When WrestleMania 35 finally arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Over 80,000 fans packed MetLife Stadium to witness what many hoped would be a historic moment. The triple threat match between Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey was the main event, marking the first time women had ever headlined WrestleMania. This was a monumental achievement, not just for the three women involved, but for the entire women's division and the evolution of women's wrestling.
The entrance of each woman was a spectacle in itself. Ronda Rousey, with her intense demeanor and UFC background, was presented as the dominant force. Charlotte Flair, with her regal presence and elaborate robe, embodied the legacy of her father, Ric Flair. But it was Becky Lynch who received the loudest ovation, solidifying her status as the fan-favorite and the true star of the match.
The in-ring action was fast-paced and brutal. All three women delivered a performance that lived up to the hype, showcasing their athleticism, technical skills, and storytelling abilities. There were moments of high-flying offense, hard-hitting strikes, and innovative submission attempts that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Memorable spots included Charlotte's moonsault off the top rope, Ronda's devastating armbars, and Becky's strategic use of the environment to gain an advantage. Each woman played to their strengths, creating a dynamic and unpredictable contest. The match was a perfect blend of wrestling styles, with Ronda's MMA background contrasting with Charlotte's technical prowess and Becky's scrappy, never-say-die attitude.
The controversial finish saw Becky Lynch defeat Ronda Rousey via a controversial roll-up pin. Many fans and critics argued that Ronda's shoulders were not fully down, leading to speculation that the finish was designed to protect Ronda in defeat. Regardless of the controversy, the result stood: Becky Lynch had won the Raw and SmackDown Women's Championships, cementing her place at the top of the women's division.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The immediate aftermath of the match saw Becky Lynch celebrate her victory as the undisputed champion. The image of Becky holding both titles high above her head became iconic, symbolizing her hard-fought journey to the top. She had overcome numerous obstacles, silenced her doubters, and finally achieved her dream of main eventing WrestleMania and winning the championship.
The impact of this match on women's wrestling cannot be overstated. It proved that women could not only deliver compelling storylines and captivating performances but also headline the biggest event in professional wrestling. It opened doors for future generations of female wrestlers and inspired countless fans around the world.
The long-term effects of this match are still being felt today. The women's division in WWE has continued to grow and evolve, with more opportunities and recognition for female athletes. The success of Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey paved the way for other women to rise to the top and achieve their own WrestleMania dreams.
Becky Lynch's career has continued to flourish since her WrestleMania victory. She has remained a top star in WWE, consistently delivering memorable matches and captivating storylines. Her journey to the top has been an inspiration to many, and she continues to be a role model for aspiring wrestlers around the world.
Charlotte Flair has continued to add to her already impressive resume, winning multiple championships and consistently delivering top-notch performances. Her athleticism and dedication to her craft have made her one of the most respected and accomplished female wrestlers of all time.
Ronda Rousey has had a more sporadic presence in WWE since her WrestleMania defeat. She took some time away from the company to start a family but has since returned and continued to be a dominant force in the women's division. Her mainstream appeal and unique skill set have made her a valuable asset to WWE.
In conclusion, the triple threat match between Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania was more than just a wrestling match; it was a cultural phenomenon. It was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of these three incredible women, and it will forever be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of WWE and women's wrestling. Guys, what a match, right?