The last several weeks have seen some significant changes to the women's title programs that were tentatively planned for the first quarter of WWE in 2023.
Fightful Select has learned that the Ronda Rousey Smackdown Women's Title defense against Raquel Rodriguez that took place on December 30, was actually originally planned to go down almost a full month later. Fightful has gained information that displays that the match was set for the WWE Royal Rumble as of early December. However, the move was made to add Rousey and Raquel's match, and Charlotte Flair's subsequent return and win to add more to the show.
Another interesting note is that several WWE plans had changed as a result of this. At the same period, Charlotte Flair was tentatively scheduled on a "suggested matches" list to wrestle Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship. Rhea Ripley was set to take on Rousey, but that's when Rousey was still Champion.
Those familiar with the situation claim that Rousey was presented with several creative options, but they didn't work out. The decision was made to move the title match with Raquel up, and put the title on Charlotte.
We're told that WWE had originally planned to have Rousey around during this period, and her not being there caused a big shift to creative. Charlotte Flair was not even told she was winning the title until the day itself.
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