The Judgment Day lovebirds, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio took over NXT as they made their surprise appearance on the show a few weeks ago. Since then, they have shown up consistently, feuding with Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria for the past couple of weeks. This week, the four superstars had a mixed tag team match together, in which Lee and Valkyria emerged victorious after a controversial finish.
After Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley arrived at NXT, they soon started a reign of chaos. Dominik went after the North American Champion Wes Lee, and challenged him for the championship. He ended up winning the championship, thanks to The Judgment Day. Following the win, he disrespected Dragon Lee, which resulted in a match between the two. Dominik ended up winning this match as well, thanks to a timely interference by Ripley. After the match, Lyra Valkyria, who Ripley had fought previously on the show, came to the rescue and helped Lee fend off the Judgment Day members.
Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley vs Dragon Lee & Lyra Valkyria
In a backstage segment last week on NXT, Dominik Mysterio challenged Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria to a mixed tag team match on NXT Heatwave this week. In a typical match, The Judgment Day members usually use underhanded means to get the win. This time however, turned out to be a bit different for the heelish duo.
Dragon Lee & Lyra Valkyria vs Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley at nxt heatwave!!@RheaRipley_WWE @Real_Valkyria @dragonlee95 pic.twitter.com/EAkG0G3Mjl
— đ´đŚđłđŚđŻđ˘ ă (@nxtdigitals) August 23, 2023
Both teams put on a really good display during their match at NXT Heatwave this week. Although neither side dominated the match, each superstar got their own chance to shine. Towards the end of the match, however, Raquel Rodriguez made a surprise appearance and attacked Rhea Ripley. The two women started brawling and took their fight to the back. Dragon Lee capitalized on the opportunity and pinned Dominik for the 3-count. The match ended with the team of Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria pulling off a surprising win over the dominant duo of Ripley and Mysterio.
Rhea Ripley expected to defend WWE Womenâs title at Payback
After her interference which cost Rhea Ripley her mixed tag team match at NXT Heatwave, Raquel Rodriguez is currently expected to face Rhea Ripley for the Women’s Championship at Payback next month. Her rivalry with The Eradicator of The Judgement Day began a few weeks ago when Ripley cost her and Liv Morgan the Women’s Tag Team Championship. She also injured Rodriguez by attacking her knee, thus sidelining her for some time.
On Monday Night RAW this week, Raquel Rodriguez came down to the ring with a crutch, to face Rhea Ripley after her match with Candice LeRae. Rodriguez then threw the crutches at Ripley and attacked her, proving that she was now medically cleared for her match. She then proceeded to get the upper hand on Ripley and sent her into retreat. Rodriguez then announced that she would be facing Ripley for the Women’s Championship at Payback.
Following their brawl on RAW this week, it looks like Rhea Ripley has finally met her match in Raquel Rodriguez. WWE’s Payback event is set to take place on September 3. Stay tuned for their clash at the upcoming event.
