Naomi is in the win column and it is the victory she has been craving for the past 150 days.
Since last August, Naomi has had her issues with WWE Official Sonya Deville. Deville has done everything in her power to make sure Naomi’s time as a member of the SmackDown roster has been miserable. Finally, from the order of Adam Pearce, Deville has fully stepped back into being an in-ring competitor. Naomi took her on one-on-one despite Deville trying to coerce the referee before the match.
This was Deville’s first singles match since SummerSlam 2020.
Both women pulled out a lot of moves during this long-awaited encounter including a unique vertical maneuver from Deville after she launched Naomi into the ring post. Naomi was able to kick out to continue the match.
With the referee distracted by the ring apron that Deville pulled into the ring, she raked the eyes of her rival before going for the pin with a hand full of tights. Naomi kicked out once again. Naomi was able to finally put Deville away for the victory after a rearview followed up by a split-legged moonsault.
Post-match, Naomi was celebrating in the ring that she finally was able to get her match with Deville and come out as the winner. She also has all the confidence in the world that she will go on to win the Royal Rumble match tomorrow. Naomi mocked Deville who was still on the stage before she made her way to the back. Deville returned seconds later with her jacket on to make her an official once again. Angry at Naomi’s gloating, Deville said that she has a special entrant to the Rumble match and that woman is herself – Sonya Deville.
Deville is confirmed as the 23 out of 30 women for the Royal Rumble match on Jan. 29. Sasha Banks declared herself earlier in the night after her return from injury.
For a full list of participants and to read about Sasha’s return, you can click here.
Check back in with Diva Dirt for a Royal Rumble Discussion Post live during the event on Saturday, Jan. 29.
