On SmackDown last night (July 17), Lacey Evans beat Naomi in a short match that was set up by last Friday’s very-not-good karaoke segment.
Naomi was protected somewhat because Evans cheated to win. But it was still a loss - taken by a former champion who has consistently remained over despite not even being booked to appear on television for long stretches, to someone WWE has repeatedly given prime booking spots in attempts to get her over.
Fans noticed, and #NaomiDeservesBetter has been trending on Twitter ever since.
Yeah HELL NAH. Y’all aren’t about to make our girl look like a dumbass. She deserves so much more! #NaomiDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/DzKnNEO37A
— Vindictive (@TheVindictive) July 18, 2020
this video had literally more views than weekly episode of raw, yet naomi is treated like a jobber, disrespectful if you ask me #NaomiDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/kRWnJJD751
— ًミ☆ (@HEELBELEXA) July 18, 2020
It's been over 5 years since Naomi cut this promo and it's awful that it still remains relevant. She needs to stop being overlooked and WWE y'all are dumb cuz she could easily make you A TON of money. She is an incomparable star and talent! #NaomiDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/CeKCyedvzW
— Sasha vs Asuka !!!! (@LitasaultBanks) July 18, 2020
WHO’S REINVENTING THEMSELVES LIKE HER?? WHO’S STAYING RELEVANT LIKE HER??? #NaomiDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/kICBN0Yv6H
— risa (@WASMINYGRANDE) July 18, 2020
She has had to work 3X harder than her white counterparts to get half the treatment they get she deserves so much better and there will be no Evolution in womens wrestling until ALL women are treated equally. ❤️ #NaomiDeservesbetter pic.twitter.com/G2QFDzFBGP
— ❤️ (@AliciasBridge) July 18, 2020
Naomi has only had 4 matches since WM and they are are barely over 10 minutes COMBINED. Not to mention she lost all of them. That shouldn't be happening to a former Women's Champion and WM winner. #NaomiDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/TDc5pu9Xu0
— boris (@bvmbshelled) July 18, 2020
It’s also drawn support from within the industry, including from one of WWE’s biggest stars.
#NaomiDeservesBetter
— Big Swole (@SwoleWorld) July 18, 2020
Naomi BEEN that woman, ok?! I will take no slander of any kind regarding that Queen. https://t.co/fwvePSsBxi
YUP!#NaomiDeservesBetter https://t.co/cFnnUZZAY3
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) July 18, 2020
The woman herself has noticed, and appreciates the support.
Wow! I know y’all got me you always have! I appreciate you all so so much! Thanks for the continuous support and believing in me #bestfans #glowmob #naomob #wweuninverse pic.twitter.com/nhMjD89XsM
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) July 18, 2020
Will it make a difference? Naomi’s been the focus of this kind of online action in the past, and it really hasn’t. But if WWE responds to anything, it’s pressure from sponsors and trending hashtags.
We’ll see what happens. Hopefully something positive, because the hashtag doesn’t lie.
Naomi does deserve better.