The following is from our play-by-play coverage of the WWE Royal Rumble PPV event in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field on the WWE Network:
WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks
Rousey went straight for the armbar but Banks got out. Rousey tossed her and taunted her then landed a series of knee strikes to the gut. Rousey with a series of suplexes until Banks with the back stabber. Rousey went for the armbar but Banks got to the ropes. Banks slapped Rousey, who responded with a kick to the gut. Rousey missed a right hand and hit the ring post. Banks with a dive through the ropes to take out the champion.
Banks with a series of knee strikes to Rousey in the corner. Rousey walked right into a big boot and Banks missed a dive off the middle rope and Rousey with a running elbow strike for a near fall. Banks with a series of strikes then a running knee strike to the dome for 2. Rousey went for Piper’s Pit but Banks reversed and locked in an armbar then the Bank Statement but Rousey rolled out. Rousey hit Piper’s Pit then used the top rope to her advantage.
Banks knocked her off the top rope and hit a superplex for 2 and followed up on the right arm. They brawled to the floor and Rousey locked in the armbar where Banks tapped but it didn’t count. Back in the ring, Rousey and Banks traded right hands. Rousey with a knee strike to the face of the challenger fo a near fall.
Banks reversed Piper’s Pit and locked in the Bank Statement then transitioned into an armbar but Rousey got out of it and hit a powerbomb followed by the Piper’s Pit for the win.
Winner: WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey
