Natalya’s battle with Nia Jax was a twofold opportunity for The Queen of Harts: Not only could she potentially shock the Raw Women’s Champion, she provided a chance for her training partner, Ronda Rousey, to scout The Irresistible Force before their title match at WWE Money in the Bank. Unfortunately, Natalya illustrated the perils of facing a Superstar such as Jax when she tweaked her knee just as she began to roll, and Nia, who didn't see the injury occur, capitalized with a merciless Samoan Drop to earn the win.

Jax seemed genuinely concerned about a potential injury to the veteran Superstar once she realized what had happened, but she didn’t get to help Natalya out all that much: Rousey left the announce desk, entered the ring and successfully warned Jax away from Natalya’s side with little more than a glare and some pointed words. (Natalya herself later cooled a similar confrontation in the locker room before she left the arena for further evaluation.) Ronda may not be able to turn Nia back so easily come bell time on June 17, but for tonight, it was enough.

Tension mounts when The Irresistible Force and The Baddest Woman on the Planet both check in on The Queen of Harts.