High-Stakes Tag Team Title Defense at SmackDown
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss put their belts on the line in a main roster vs. developmental rivalry, facing off against NXT’s Zaria and Sol Ruca collectively known as Zaruca on a thrilling edition of Friday Night SmackDown. The match, which aired live on October 17, 2025, was not just a championship bout but a collision of WWE’s past, present, and future.
Bliss and Flair, two of WWE’s most decorated female superstars, have held the tag titles for several months, fending off all challengers from across the main roster. But the dynamic duo of NXT’s Zaria, a rising star, and Sol Ruca, the reigning NXT Women’s North American Champion and Speed Champion, brought a fresh edge to the bout, making it clear from the start they were not just here to appear, but to take the gold[1].
The Match: Experience Meets Youthful Ambition
From the opening bell, Zaruca showcased their speed and chemistry, pushing Bliss and Flair to their limits. Ruca, recently elevated to NXT’s upper echelon and a double champion herself, stunned the SmackDown crowd with her aerial offense and technical prowess. Zaria, meanwhile, proved she could hang with main roster talent, cutting off both champions with well-timed tags and smart ring psychology[1].
Despite the challengers’ impressive showing, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss relied on veteran instincts to weather the storm. The champions absorbed Zaruca’s best shots, countering with devastating strikes and seamless double-team maneuvers. Tensions peaked when Ruca appeared poised to secure an upset, locking in a signature submission and nearly forcing Flair to tap. But just as the NXT duo seemed on the verge of victory, the match took an unexpected turn.
The Surprise Debut That Sealed Zaruca’s Fate
The game-changer came in the form of a surprise SmackDown debut: Blake Monroe, the WWE newcomer formerly known as Mariah May in AEW, made her presence felt by distracting Ruca at ringside[1]. This interruption, apparently driven by ongoing issues between Monroe and Zaruca in NXT, allowed Flair to capitalize. The Queen seized the moment, delivered a targeted attack to Ruca’s knee, and applied her devastating Figure-Eight leg lock, forcing the double champion to submit and retain the titles for her team[1].
Backstage sources suggest the Monroe interference was not a last-minute script change, but a carefully planned moment to escalate tensions between the brands. “There’s always a strategic reason for who shows up on camera, and this was about showing fans that surprises can come at any moment especially when the stakes are high,” revealed a WWE insider familiar with the creative plans for the show[1].
What This Means for WWE Women’s Wrestling
The victory was a significant statement for the main roster’s flagging women’s tag division, which has often struggled to maintain momentum. By defending against rising NXT stars—and surviving a competitive bout—Bliss and Flair reinforced the legitimacy of their reign and reinforced the idea that the titles are a serious prize, not an afterthought. According to sources close to the locker room, this match was also meant to spotlight NXT’s women’s division, demonstrating how ready some of its athletes are for the spotlight on Raw or SmackDown.
The post-match dynamics further complicate the narrative. Monroe’s involvement suggests she could be moving up to the main roster soon, while Zaruca’s strong showing—despite the loss—signals WWE’s confidence in their future. “Zaruca absolutely earned their spot tonight, and don’t be surprised if you see them back on SmackDown sooner rather than later,” another backstage source noted.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Online, reaction to the match was overwhelmingly positive. Fans praised the athleticism of Zaruca and the crafty veteran instincts of Bliss and Flair, with many calling it one of the best women’s tag matches in recent SmackDown memory. The unexpected debut of Blake Monroe was the story of the night on wrestling social media, trending globally and sparking speculation about future storylines.
Hashtags such as #WomensTagTitles, #SmackDown, and #WelcomeToTheMainRoster trended within minutes of the broadcast, with fans debating when Monroe and Zaruca will get another shot at Flair and Bliss and when NXT stars will finally dethrone the dominant champs.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for WWE’s Women’s Tag Division?
With Flair and Bliss continuing to roll, the question WWE fans are asking is simple: Who can stop them? While main roster teams like Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez or Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark remain credible challengers, this bout proved that NXT’s top teams are more than ready to crash the party.
At the same time, the Monroe angle adds a new layer of intrigue. According to a WWE creative team member, “The women’s division is getting a serious shot in the arm, and this is only the beginning. We’re building towards some big things—not just for the tag titles, but across the board.”
In Conclusion: A Win for WWE, the Women’s Division, and Fans
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss came to work on this night, but so did Zaria and Sol Ruca. The result was a must-watch tag team match that delivered drama, action, and unpredictable twists. WWE’s cross-brand matchups are always a crowd-pleaser, and this bout was no exception delivering a fresh, competitive showdown while setting up future angles for the women’s division.
For those who haven’t seen the action yet, head to WWE’s official digital platforms for full highlights[2]. For fans of NXT, keep your eyes on Sol Ruca and Zaria this may have been their first shot, but it’s unlikely to be their last.