What a welcome back for Liv Morgan!

Morgan and Lyra Valkyria faced off in singles action on Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw,” and this is no strange thing: they showed up and showed out! Out of Monday’s two women’s singles matches, this one was definitely a stand-out of the night. Whether you’re a Judgement Day truther, a Liv Morgan fan, or just a fan of quality in-ring work, Morgan versus Valkyria will be a match you want to rewatch.

Morgan has been out of action for seven months, but if Monday’s match is anything to go by, the former two-time WWE Women’s World Champion has not missed a step. Monday’s match was a great showing from the returned Morgan, who hardly pulled her punches on the offensive front while braving some nasty bumps on the defensive front. She might not have a title on her, but she fought like a champion, with her forearm strikes cruelly rocking Valkyria’s body at every turn. Do you remember when Morgan was the up-and-comer on the roster, when she was the girl who had heart, but couldn’t wrestle? We talk about wrestlers who have improved drastically in the ring, especially with up-and-comer Maxxine Dupri on the card, but I think Morgan, even in this improved state of performance, still takes the cake for the most improved female Superstar. Confidence oozed from her Monday night — confidence that comes from knowing exactly what the hell you’re doing. She has no title, but she has a champion’s aura! Morgan was phenomenal (and if she can do it, then maybe Dupri can too).

Valkyria is one of the best female wrestlers on “Raw” right now, full stop. She was the perfect opponent to go against Morgan. She is tried-and-true, incredibly consistent, and yet still manages to dazzle every time she’s in the ring. Morgan has more aura than her, sure, but where Valkyria lacks in that department, she makes up for in pure wrestling skill. Morgan brought out some innovative offense Monday — see her Nightwing counter into a Codebreaker — and Valkyria took it on the chin like an absolute champ. Have you ever seen the Ob-Liv-ion, a finisher that only makes sense in wrestling physics, look so deadly? Valkyria was the glue that held this match together, and while I’m happy for a Morgan win, Valkyria is just so good, you can’t help but root for her.

I’m sure Valkyria will get her lick back. At least, I hope she does, so we can see Valkyria and Morgan lock up once more! These two have some great in-ring chemistry, and if given the opportunity, Valkyria and Morgan can tear the house down, just as they did Monday night.

Written by Angeline Phu