The WWE Universe was treated to an **explosive** and **high-stakes** main event on **SmackDown LIVE, January 8, 2019**, featuring three of the most talented women in WWE:
– **Charlotte Flair** – The Queen 👑, a dominant force in the women’s division.
– **Becky Lynch** – The Man 🔥, on a mission to reclaim her throne.
– **Carmella** – The Princess of Staten Island 🎭, looking to prove she still belongs at the top.
The winner of this intense **Triple Threat Match** would go on to **face Asuka for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Royal Rumble 2019**. With **championship dreams** on the line, each competitor was prepared to give everything they had. But who would emerge victorious? Let’s break down the action, drama, and impact of this unforgettable showdown
## **🚀 The Road to SmackDown LIVE – How This Battle Was Set Up**
The SmackDown Women’s Championship scene had been **red-hot** since Asuka’s shocking victory at **WWE TLC 2018**, where she dethroned **Becky Lynch** in a **Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match**—thanks to interference from **Ronda Rousey**.
### **🔹 Becky Lynch – The Man’s Redemption Arc**
Becky had been on a mission to reclaim the championship that she felt was stolen from her. Since **SummerSlam 2018**, she had transformed into “The Man,” dominating the women’s division and proving that she was the rightful face of WWE. But after losing to Asuka at **TLC**, Becky needed another shot to get her title back.
### **🔹 Charlotte Flair – The Queen Wants Her Crown Back**
Charlotte, a seven-time women’s champion at the time, was also furious about how things had unfolded at TLC. She had been in the title picture for months, and she believed she deserved a rematch. With her unmatched **athleticism and wrestling pedigree**, Charlotte was prepared to do whatever it took to secure another title shot.
### **🔹 Carmella – The Former Champion’s Last Stand**
Carmella, the winner of the first-ever **Women’s Money in the Bank** and a former SmackDown Women’s Champion, had been somewhat overlooked in the title picture. But as she reminded everyone, she **held the title for 131 days in 2018**—longer than both Charlotte and Becky. She wanted to prove that she still had what it took to compete with the best.
With tensions running high, **WWE General Manager Paige** announced this **Triple Threat Match** to determine who would face Asuka at **Royal Rumble 2019**. The stage was set, and the WWE Universe was ready for a battle of epic proportions
## **💥 SmackDown LIVE 1/8/19: The Match Begins**
As the lights dimmed and the entrances played, the atmosphere inside the arena was electric. Each superstar made their way to the ring, fully aware that this was a **make-or-break opportunity**.
### **🔥 The Opening Moments – A Clash of Styles**
– The match started at a **blistering pace**, with Becky and Charlotte immediately targeting each other, reigniting their intense rivalry.
– Carmella, ever the opportunist, **slipped out of the ring** and let her two opponents fight, looking for the right moment to strike.
– When Charlotte and Becky turned their attention to Carmella, she **used her agility and quickness** to evade them, frustrating both of her opponents.
### **⚔️ The Action Intensifies – High Impact Moves**
– **Charlotte Flair displayed her raw power**, delivering brutal chops to both Becky and Carmella.
– Becky, however, responded with her own brand of **technical wrestling**, locking Charlotte in a **Dis-arm-her submission** early in the match.
– Carmella **broke the hold with a surprise Superkick**, proving she wasn’t just a third wheel in this fight.
– The battle spilled outside the ring, where **Charlotte delivered a brutal Spear to Becky into the barricade**
### **💣 Near-Falls & Heart-Stopping Moments**
– Back in the ring, Carmella nearly **stole the victory** after hitting Charlotte with a **Code of Silence submission**, but The Queen managed to power out.
– Becky countered Carmella’s offense and nearly secured the win with a **Bexploder Suplex**, but Charlotte broke up the pin.
– In one of the biggest moments of the match, **Charlotte climbed the top rope and hit a breathtaking Moonsault on both opponents** The crowd erupted
### **🏆 The Final Moments – Who Will Go to Royal Rumble?**
With all three competitors exhausted, the match reached its climax:
– Becky locked Charlotte in the **Dis-arm-her**, and it looked like The Queen might tap out
– Out of nowhere, Carmella landed another **Superkick on Becky**, forcing her to break the hold.
– Charlotte, seizing the opportunity, hit Carmella with **Natural Selection** and went for the pin **1…2…NO** Becky broke it up at the last second
– In the final sequence, **Becky caught Carmella in the Dis-arm-her again**. Despite Carmella’s desperate struggle, she had no choice but to tap out
**🔥 Becky Lynch wins via submission and earns a title shot against Asuka at Royal Rumble 2019**
## **🎤 Post-Match Fallout – What’s Next?**
### **👑 Becky Lynch vs. Asuka – A Dream Match Set for Royal Rumble**
With this victory, Becky Lynch punched her ticket to **Royal Rumble 2019**, where she would face Asuka for the **SmackDown Women’s Championship**. The WWE Universe erupted in excitement—this was the match everyone wanted to see
– Would Becky finally reclaim the title?
– Could Asuka prove she was the best by defeating The Man?
– Would outside interference play a role once again?
### **⚔️ Charlotte Flair – The Queen’s Next Move?**
Charlotte was furious about the loss, and many speculated that she **wouldn’t stay out of the title picture for long**. With the Royal Rumble match also on the horizon, could she enter the Rumble and find another path to WrestleMania?
### **🎭 Carmella – A Strong Showing, But What’s Next?**
Despite tapping out, Carmella delivered **one of her best performances** in recent memory. Would this match earn her another opportunity down the road, or would she shift her focus elsewhere?
## **🔥 The Impact of This Match on WWE’s Women’s Division**
This **Triple Threat Match** was a perfect example of why **WWE’s women’s division** had become one of the hottest parts of the company.
– **Becky Lynch continued her meteoric rise**, proving she was the most popular and dominant woman in WWE.
– **Charlotte Flair remained a top-tier competitor**, keeping her spot as one of WWE’s greatest female superstars.
– **Carmella reminded the world of her abilities**, proving she could still hang with the best.
– **Asuka vs. Becky at Royal Rumble 2019 was now official**, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
With **WrestleMania season approaching**, the WWE Universe knew that the **women’s division was about to reach new heights**
## **🎬 Final Thoughts – A SmackDown LIVE Classic**
The **January 8, 2019, episode of SmackDown LIVE** delivered an instant classic, with **Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Carmella** pushing each other to their limits. This match set the stage for an epic **Royal Rumble 2019 showdown**, proving once again why WWE’s women’s division was **must-watch television**.
👉 **Who did you want to win this match? Do you think Becky Lynch deserved the title shot? Drop your thoughts in the comments below 👇🔥**