While The Rock and Jimmy Uso stole all of the headlines for returning to WWE at Bad Blood, Raquel Rodriguez also reemerged in Atlanta. The star had missed out some time due to her health issues.
As Rhea Ripley focused on bashing Dominik Mysterio like a pinata rather than on regaining the title, Rodriguez attacked her. The Eradicator was awarded a win via disqualification but didn’t leave Bad Blood with the Women’s World Championship.
Rodriguez’s return will ultimately lead to another match between Morgan and Ripley, but the dynamics have greatly shifted after Bad Blood. The former NXT Women’s Champ could follow one of the next three directions after her WWE return.
#3. Rhea Ripley has to go through Raquel Rodriguez for another title shot
Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan have recently battled over the Women’s World Championship twice. The first showdown was at SummerSlam, with Dominik Mysterio turning on Ripley. The second match took place at Bad Blood.
Morgan could force The Eradicator to face Rodriguez instead to give the feud a brief break (in the ring). The Champ could eventually agree to another defense since Ripley technically beat her at Bad Blood.
After a series of matches against a formidable opponent like Rodriguez, Morgan could agree to a third showdown when Ripley is vulnerable. This could space out the rubber match and ease Rodriguez back into action.
#2. Adding more gold to the Judgment Day
One interesting wrinkle that could emerge from Rodriguez joining Morgan’s side involves the WWE Women’s Tag Titles. After trying to make several squads seem like credible threats to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill without apparent success, it’s hard to invest in their matches.
Both women are extremely popular but it’s hard to believe that a duo like Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark or Katana Chance and Kayden Carter has a chance against the powerhouses. Even Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane – despite their histories – probably don’t stand much of a chance.
Rodriguez is an imposing star in her own right. Morgan could look to add more gold to the Judgment Day by going after Belair and Cargill. It would actually be an interesting feud instead of the champs beating The Unholy Union yet again.
#1. Back to Raquel Rodriguez’s beginning in WWE
Raquel Rodriguez debuted in NXT as a bodyguard for Dakota Kai. The duo won the NXT Women’s Tag Titles and were a power duo during their tenure. The pairing eventually led to Rodriguez surpassing the person she was supposed to protect after winning the NXT Women’s Championship.
Her time on the main roster has been spent as a stale, smiling face. Rodriguez is better suited to be a heel and she may fill that role – until Morgan blames her for anything that goes wrong.
Rodriguez can play Diesel to Morgan’s Shawn Michaels and eventually gain popularity when she stands up to Morgan and Dominik. She had trouble gaining consistent crowd support before her injury. This tactic could get her over the hump with the WWE Universe.