WWE RAW Flops and Hits: Randy Orton returns and betrays Riddle, 2-time world champion exposed, ‘Elias is dead’ (9th August, 2021)

#2 Flop on WWE RAW: Nikki A.S.H.’s match ends in disqualification

What a counter from #NikkiASH!#WWERaw@RheaRipley_WWE pic.twitter.com/Qa5RBiiMNM

— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2021

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. returned to action this week. She faced former champion Rhea Ripley, in a singles match that ended in a disappointing fashion, but we will get to the specifics later. Nikki and Ripley looked impressive during their in-ring bout. There was a subtle change in their equation as the champion took more chances in the face of brutality.

Ripley is now being booked as a babyface on WWE RAW, but that barely impacted her ruthlessness. In hindsight, that is an excellent decision as it adds to her credibility. Nikki also looked strong as she showed her resilience throughout the match. Unfortunately, all of this amounted to nothing as Charlotte Flair interfered and attacked both superstars, ending the match in DQ.

#TheQueen is here!@MsCharlotteWWE is on a path of destruction.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/HoJ9Yz6LIG

— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2021

It is understandable that the creative team want to draw more heat towards The Queen before the three superstars face each other for the RAW Women’s Championship at SummerSlam 2021. However, attacking Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley after their match would have fetched the same reaction.

The only difference is that a legitimate finish and a potential win for Nikki could have helped the champion look strong before a big match. She desperately needs momentum on her side before the triple-threat match, and such booking decisions aren’t helping her credibility on WWE RAW.