WWE Royal Rumble 2021 - Star ratings for every match

WWE Royal Rumble 2021 - Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the SmackDown Women's Championship

.@CarmellaWWE putting @ReginaldWWE to good use! 👏 👏 👏 #RoyalRumble #WomensTitle @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/x6ngX3LzR6

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 1, 2021

Ahead of WWE Royal Rumble 2021, the rivalry between SmackDown Women's Champion Sasha Banks and Carmella has provided a strong encounter at WWE TLC and entertaining segments on TV. Carmella has used her sommelier to her advantage against The Boss, and it was much of the same here.

The SmackDown Women's Championship Match had good pacing that kept the action building throughout the duration. Reginald eventually got himself ejected after getting involved, which took the contest to the next gear. There were really good near falls, especially when it came to Carmella's consecutive superkicks.

What a BATTLE for the #SmackDown #WomensTitle at #RoyalRumble!@SashaBanksWWE @CarmellaWWE pic.twitter.com/665wReZiiF

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2021

The finish of this encounter left something to desire. Sasha Banks went from selling Carmella's offense to instantly locking on the Banks Statement for the win. This felt abrupt and gave fans a flat ending here at WWE Royal Rumble 2021 to another solid contest between The Boss and the former Mrs. Money In The Bank.

Many in the WWE Universe will question what is next for Carmella. The feud with Banks has legitimized her as a threat, but maybe a tier under the upper echelon. She has showcased her character work and in-ring ability immensely since her return and again at WWE Royal Rumble 2021. Sasha Banks has bigger fish to fry and may have a formidable challenge ahead at WrestleMania.

Star rating: ***