The Greatest “What Ifs” in WWE History
Few matches in the realm of professional wrestling spark as much discussion and curiosity as the possible singles fight between Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch. Both fans and commentators have frequently speculated about what would have happened if these two groundbreaking superstars had faced off in a single match. After an unfortunate injury forced the cancellation of their highly anticipated match at Survivor Series 2018, both women ended up in the main event of WrestleMania 35, but Charlotte Flair’s involvement changed the fight’s dynamic from a single match to a triple threat. Rousey’s second stint with WWE featured several teasers and possible setups, but the highly anticipated one-on-one match never happened.
The Lost Chance at the 2018 Survivor Series
The WWE Universe was tense in the run-up to Survivor Series 2018, anticipating the match between Ronda Rousey—dubbed the “Baddest Woman on the Planet”—and Becky Lynch, who was establishing herself as “The Man.” But in a terrible turn of events, Lynch had to leave the bout after breaking her nose and sustaining a concussion during a scuffle on Raw. After Charlotte Flair replaced Rousey, the contest proved to be unforgettable, but it was evident that the match that fans had been waiting for had eluded WWE.
This match’s cancellation created a hole that was never filled. The anticipation for Rousey vs. Lynch was intense, and one of the biggest “what ifs” in WWE history was the possibility of witnessing these two legendary figures square off in a singles battle. Their personalities clashing and their skills in the ring might have resulted in an immediate classic—a match that would be remembered for years to come.
WrestleMania 35: A Tricky Headlining Match
Rewind to WrestleMania 35, when Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey created history by being the first three female headliners of the company’s main event. Although the triple threat event wasn’t the singles battle fans had been hoping for—Rousey vs. Lynch—it was nonetheless a historic occasion for women’s wrestling. Although Flair’s presence made sense considering her position within the organization, it altered the storyline by introducing a level of complexity.
Undoubtedly, the main event of WrestleMania 35 was a significant milestone for the WWE, but some fans believed that the genuine resolution of the Rousey-Lynch feud had been jeopardized. The one-on-one dynamic that had been developing between Rousey and Lynch was diluted by the triple threat format, opening the door to future conjecture about what would have happened if the two had been allowed to resolve their disagreements without the involvement of a third fighter.
The 2019 Evolution Plan: An Alluring Offer Turned Down
Ronda Rousey recently disclosed in an interview on Ring the Belle that she and Lynch would face off in a singles event at a potential second Evolution pay-per-view in 2019. The match was viewed as the ideal setting for the eagerly anticipated match, and it was scheduled to happen soon after WrestleMania 35. In the end, though, Rousey declined the offer, stating that she wanted to leave WWE after WrestleMania and that she was committed to her family.
Rousey clarified, “They offered to bring (Evolution) back for a second time.” “They said, ‘Ronda, you and Becky will be singles in our next Evolution in six weeks if you stay after WrestleMania.'” I was like, okay, that’s it. I promised my family that—well, I always said I wanted to go from WrestleMania to Survivor Series, but Triple H talked me into staying from WrestleMania to WrestleMania.
Although it disappointed some, Rousey’s choice was motivated by her desire to put her family above her professional wrestling career. Even with the promise of a big bout against Lynch, she was not willing to stay in the WWE after a hard and demanding tenure. “I’m gone for weeks on end, and I have kids, a husband, and a home,” Rousey remarked. I was like, ‘No, I have already asked too much of my family,’ when they stated that.
The Potential Consequences of a Rousey vs. Lynch Match
The Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch singles contest might have been a turning point in WWE history if it had happened at a second Evolution pay-per-view. An event like Evolution, which honored women’s wrestling, would have been the perfect setting for a match this big. At the height of their popularity, Lynch and Rousey could have concluded their feud with a worthy match.
But destiny had other ideas. Rousey was devastated that the match never took place because she refused to compromise her family’s needs. Even if she had accepted the match, her broken knuckle would have kept her from competing. Rousey said, considering her choice, “I promised you I would stay this long, and I promised them I would only stay this long, and I’m not going to keep moving the goalposts.” They attempted to hold out that carrot for me, but I was just unable to accomplish it. In the end, I broke my knuckle anyhow, so it wouldn’t have been possible.
Even though she was not engaged, Rousey expressed hope that WWE might revive Evolution in the future despite the lost opportunity. “Hopefully, they’ll retrieve it, and I don’t believe I’m necessary for it.” With trust in the present crop of female WWE superstars, Rousey stated, “I think they are past that point and they just need to believe in the women because they can do it.”
Towards the Future: Is Rousey vs. Lynch Still Possible?
The question of whether a Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch match might still occur persists as WWE changes. Although Rousey was reportedly willing to return for another run by WWE earlier this month, Lynch is not currently under contract, so it’s unlikely that this ideal battle will happen.
But never say never in the realm of professional wrestling. There’s always a chance that the fight will happen if all the stars align because Lynch and Rousey have both shown a willingness to go against the grain and create new ground. However, as of right now, the Rousey vs. Lynch singles fight stands as one of WWE’s biggest lost chances—a fascinating “what if” that keeps drawing in fans from all around the world.
WWE is still plagued by a squandered opportunity.
One of the biggest “what ifs” in WWE history will always be the possible singles match between Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch. The match that fans yearned for never happened, despite the many chances and hints. The stars never lined up for this ideal match to occur, whether it was because of an injury, schedule conflicts, or personal obligations.
The memory of what may have been remains with fans as WWE progresses. Although both women have gone on to achieve great success, there is a sense of unresolved business about the Rousey-Lynch rivalry, which had the potential to define an era. Maybe in the future, WWE will figure out a method to pull off this ideal match. It will always be an unrealized fantasy up until then, which is a testament to the drama and unpredictable nature of professional wrestling.
