Ripley vs Rodriguez for Women’s Title Set for WWE Payback 2023
Rhea Ripley will defend her WWE Women’s World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez at WWE Payback 2023 PLE.
During the July 17 episode of RAW, Rhea Ripley attacked and injured Raquel’s knee. Due to the injury, Rodriguez and Liv Morgan lost their Women’s Tag Team title to Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville.
Following that incident, Rodriguez is actively pursuing a chance to compete against Ripley in a one-on-one match. However, her efforts are obstructed by the fact that Adam Pearce stated she isn’t medically cleared. Despite her injury, Rodriguez did not stop she consistently launched attacks on Ripley in each week’s RAW episode.
Has @RheaRipley_WWE finally met her match?! @RaquelWWE is BACK!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/nJsFg3EPCe
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2023
During the August 21 episode of RAW, Rhea Ripley defeated Candice LeRae, and after the match, Rodriguez made her appearance on a crutch. The surprise came when Rodriguez threw her crutch and attacked Ripley.
After the assault, Rodriguez confirmed her full medical clearance and said that Adam Pearce has told her that she would challenge Rhea Ripley for Women’s World Championship at Payback 2023 PLE.
Rhea Ripley’s most recent title defense of Women’s World Championship came on RAW on July 3, where she faced Natalya.
WWE Payback 2023 PLE is scheduled for September 2, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. WWE World Heavyweight Championship match is also set for the event between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura.