NXT champions Sol Ruca and Zaria appeared on the September 26 episode of SmackDown to issue a direct challenge to Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. The confrontation took place backstage at the Kia Center in Orlando, where the NXT pair declared their intent to claim the next shot at the belts.
The challenge was not immediately accepted. Bliss responded that the team from NXT would first need to earn their opportunity before stepping into the ring with the champions.
The move was led by Ruca, who currently holds both the NXT Women’s North American Championship and the WWE Speed Women’s Championship. Her accolades underline her momentum heading into this latest confrontation.
This was the second time Ruca and Zaria have been featured on SmackDown. Their first main roster appearance came in July, ahead of the Evolution event. On that occasion, Ruca competed in a four-way contest during the broadcast.
The timing of the challenge adds another layer of intrigue, as Ruca is set to defend the WWE Speed Women’s Championship against Lainey Reid at NXT No Mercy on September 27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.