This weekend (Sun. February 17, 2019) WWE will host its Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV) from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. One of the more notable matches on the card is a RAW Women’s Title defense from Ronda Rousey. She’ll face Riott Squad leader Ruby Riott. Riott has been pumping up the match pretty heavily on Twitter in the past several days.
After the shuffle made to Rousey’s title defense at WrestleMania 35 – initially expected to be against Becky Lynch before Vince McMahon suspended Lynch in favor of having Charlotte Flair in the bout – Riott said she hopes to spoil those plans by dethroning Rousey this weekend:
“Who cares about what’s best for business or what these people want?! You’re so focused on giving the #WomensEvolution what they deserve, that you’re not even looking at #EliminationChamber. So I’ll gladly take your title & main event #Wrestlemania whether they like it or not.”
Who cares about what’s best for business or what these people want?! You’re so focused on giving the #WomensEvolution what they deserve, that you’re not even looking at #EliminationChamber. So I’ll gladly take your title & main event #Wrestlemania whether they like it or not. https://t.co/aLZSBJWtey
— Ruby Riott (@RubyRiottWWE) February 13, 2019
SmackDown Live star Lana responded, offering her support to Riott this weekend and also calling Rousey “overrated”:
“I would be thrilled if you took her place ! So overrated she is ! I mean she claims to change the game yet she can’t bring ratings …. soooo ummm”
I would be thrilled if you took her place ! So overrated she is ! 🙄 I mean she claims to change the game yet she can’t bring ratings …. soooo ummm 🤔
— Lana Day (@LanaWWE) February 14, 2019
This led to an exchange between Lana and a fan, who pointed out Rousey has been a huge draw for both the UFC and WWE during her athletic career:
“She drew one million pay per view buys in UFC three times. To say she hasn’t changed the game is crazy”
She drew one million pay per view buys in UFC three times. To say she hasn’t changed the game is crazy
— Jay jerome (@jeromemoon2010) February 14, 2019
“She [100] percent change the game in UFC but this is WWE and she hasn’t changed the game here”
She 💯 percent change the game in UFC but this is WWE and she hasn’t changed the game here
— Lana Day (@LanaWWE) February 14, 2019
“I am just saying I rather have Ruby as champion. Hate me for that ! I don’t care. Everyone hates me anyways”
I am just saying I rather have Ruby as champion. Hate me for that ! I don’t care. Everyone hates me anyways 😂
— Lana Day (@LanaWWE) February 14, 2019
