WWE NXT: Takeover Portland was an action-packed PPV that featured several jaw-dropping moments. From title changes to betrayals, the show had everything that you expect from an NXT event.
One of the matches at the PPV saw NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley successfully defend her title against Bianca Belair in a Single’s Match. But the Nightmare wasn’t prepared for what was coming next.
Soon after Ripley picked her victory, she was attacked by The Queen who then went on to challenge her for a title match at WrestleMania. The two are now set to compete for the NXT hold at the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’.
Technically, it was Ripley who initiated this feud by showing up on RAW and demanding Charlotte to choose for the WrestleMania match. Now that the Queen has decided to go after the former’s title, she needs to prepare to go toe-to-toe with one of the best athletes on the current WWE roster.
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In this article, we will take a look at five possible reasons that motivated Charlotte to challenge Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
Also Read: WWE NXT Takeover: Top 5 Superstars at the PPV
#5 To seek a fresh challenge
Charlotte Flair has established herself as one of the most feared competitors in the entire WWE roster. She has been engaged in countless feuds with her counterparts in the Women’s locker room and some of them extended beyond three months.
After winning the Women’s Royal Rumble 2019, Charlotte had two familiar options in front of her – RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley. Interestingly enough, both these women kickstarted their respective title reigns after defeating the Queen.
If Charlotte chose either of these two Superstars, we would have seen history repeating itself and not in a pleasant way. Hence, it was better Charlotte diverted towards Rhea Ripley who has been dominating WWE’s third brand. It allows WWE to book a fresh feud that has the potential to defy brutality at the ‘Biggest Stage of Them All’.
#4 To increase the star power of NXT
Now that Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley are set to lock horns at WrestleMania, it is almost too easy to predict that the former will walk away with the title at the ‘Show of Shows’. This, in turn, will have her return to NXT where she will continue to feud with Ripley until a new competitor proves herself worthy of a feud with the Queen.
The arrival of Charlotte on the Black and Gold brand will definitely increase the star power of the show by leaps and bounds. This move will essentially help the brand in gaining more and more attention which will help the company in ruling the TRP chart on Wednesday nights.
It’s been a long time since Charlotte was seen battling it out in NXT and fans would be eager to see her rubbing shoulders with the fellow stars of the women’s division. She will most likely be a heel who will be challenged by up and coming NXT stars. With a whole group of new faces, Charlotte will be engaged in compelling feuds every week and will definitely help gain viewers who have admired her work on RAW and SmackDown.
#3 To help elevate NXT Talents
Although Charlotte Flair will bring an immense star power with her to NXT, that’s not the only gift that she will bring with her to the Black and Gold brand. The most decorated female Superstar in WWE history sure has gained a lot of experience from the main roster and can now use it to help new Superstars in crafting their legacy in the company.
WWE will probably have her win the title from Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania and move to NXT but she will be there for a short period of time. However, that will be enough for her to get her hands on a few select talents that are one nudge away from chasing greatness.
Charlotte can feud with the likes of Ripley, Bianca Belair, Io Shirai, among others which will ultimately put over her opponents. The Queen has already established herself as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of this generation and is expected to break Ric Flair’s record of most championships.
Hence, it wouldn’t be surprising if she spends a few months on NXT to help take the talent to a higher altar before dropping her Championship and returning to RAW or SmackDown.
#2 To work a less hectic schedule
Ever since Charlotte Flair moved to the main roster, we have rarely seen her not being involved in the title picture. She has won both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championship and is a dependable employee. But we are all aware of the hectic schedule of WWE Superstars especially when you take the Live Shows into consideration.
A move to NXT will allow Charlotte to take a break from the constant road trips, giving her time to attend to her personal affairs. She recently got engaged to Andrade and must be looking forward to spending some time with her fiancé, outside the world of wrestling.
As mentioned previously in this article, Charlotte is expected to spend only a few months at the Black and Gold brand which will allow room for just a few title matches. She will be involved in meaningful storylines that will bear no threats of repetition while allowing her enough time to focus on personal life.
No one can blame her for wanting to take it slow for a bit, especially when she could have decided to go on a hiatus instead of switching to a less hectic schedule.
#1 Avoid repeating rivalry with Becky Lynch
This is arguably the biggest reason behind Charlotte Flair challenging Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. The Queen has a long-standing history with Becky Lynch and the friends-turned-foes-turned-friends are still struggling to exist without conflict.
Interestingly, it was Lynch who betrayed Charlotte but the former’s heel turn was received remarkably well by the crowd which led to the birth of ‘The Man’ and her iconic title reign. These two Superstars have locked horns on several occasions and have always delivered a great match. However, seeing them compete over and over is also the reason why the viewers don’t want to relive their feud.
One can’t deny that as long as Lynch and Charlotte are on the same show, they will always be the biggest hurdle in each other’s paths. Hence, a title feud between them becomes inevitable and it can only be avoided if the two are separated.
Enter NXT Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley.
Charlotte's potential move to the Black and Gold brand allows Lynch to focus on other Superstars and in this case, Shayna Baszler. The former’s decision to challenge Rhea Ripley made room for Baszler to make a much-deserved move to RAW and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.