Ruby Riott Qualifies for Survivor Series after Controversial Finish

Ruby Riott made her SmackDown debut after being drafted to the blue brand in October. She faced Natalya and Zelina Vega in a triple threat match to qualify for the SmackDown Women’s team at Survivor Series.

It was great to see Ruby back, who has not had the best run with the company. Picking up a crucial victory also helped restore some of her credibility.

Ruby Riott returned with a new look

This was Ruby’s first appearance in quite a while. She and Liv Morgan were embroiled in a feud with the IIconics, Peyton Royce and Billy Kay.

Morgan and Riott beat the IIconics on multiple occasions, even forcing the duo to split. Just like Kay and Royce, Morgan and Riott were also separated by the draft.

Interestingly, Ruby sported a spunky new look. Her ring attire and gimmick are unique and separate her from the rest of the women’s roster on SmackDown. She had a much shorter pixie cut with the trademark green hair which she sported since her NXT days.

The match begun with a few smooth exchanges before Natalya locked Riott in the Mexican surfboard. Vega covered Natalya to almost take the win.

Natalya dominated for most of the match, and Vega played the sneaky heel who tried to surprise the two larger opponents with her antics.

Riott beat Natalya and Zelina Vega to qualify for Survivor Series 2020

The fast-paced action continued with Vega getting planted by Riott with an STO. Ruby missed a senton splash from the top rope and Natalya capitalised and locked Vega in the Sharpshooter.

Vega made it to the ropes but the Queen of Harts was able to yank her back into the center of the ring.

Natalya was seconds away from victory, before Riott locked in a submission of her own on Vega who was still in the Sharpshooter. Riott then added a vicious-looking armbar into her already deep arsenal. This seemed to get the job done for her on SmackDown.

With Vega suffering the brutality of the Sharpshooter and the armbar, she obviously tapped out. However, she tapped out just when Natalya relinquished the hold, thinking the match was already won. Ruby still had the armbar locked in, and the referee thought Vega tapped out to the armbar, granting Ruby the spot on Team SmackDown.

The controversial finish was very well done, and gave Ruby her first proper feud on Smackdown. She now joins Bianca Belair on Team Smackdown for the Women’s Survivor Series elimination match.