This week’s WWE RAW episode, taking place live from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas, is heating up with tension between Asuka and Rhea Ripley. The buildup to their highly anticipated clash is marked by a provocative message from Asuka targeting Ripley, intensifying the rivalry in the lead-up to the match. The Rhea Ripley WWE RAW storyline continues to draw strong reactions from fans and veterans alike.
Background of the Feud Between Asuka and Rhea Ripley
On the September 22 episode of RAW, Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka in a heated contest. Following the match, Asuka and her partner Kairi Sane, known as The Kabuki Warriors, launched a brutal attack on Ripley. Asuka escalated the assault by spitting poison mist into Ripley’s eyes, a move that added a sinister edge to their rivalry. The Kabuki Warriors further targeted Ripley and IYO SKY during last week’s RAW episode, carrying the storyline forward with intense hostility.
Before the upcoming RAW show, Asuka took to social media to taunt Ripley directly. In a brief video posted online, Asuka repeatedly called Ripley “baka,” a Japanese insult meaning “fool,” while Kairi Sane appeared visibly upset by the confrontation.
“Rhea’s baka baka baka baka baka,” she wrote.
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY’s Upcoming Tag Team Match at Crown Jewel
Looking ahead to WWE Crown Jewel 2025, Rhea Ripley is set to team with IYO SKY against The Kabuki Warriors in a tag team match. This event is highly anticipated, as both teams have built intense animosity on RAW. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer, who recently won the Women’s World Championship by defeating IYO SKY at Wrestlepalooza, will defend her title against Tiffany Stratton at the upcoming PLE event later this month. These matches are shaping up to be pivotal moments in the women’s division.
Industry Veteran Vince Russo Criticizes the Current Storyline Execution
Wrestling commentator and former booking writer Vince Russo voiced his frustration with WWE’s handling of Rhea Ripley’s storyline during his appearance on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW show. Russo highlighted inconsistencies surrounding the poison mist angle, questioning the credibility of Ripley’s recovery after being targeted by Asuka.
“Here’s how clueless they are. So, she takes the poison mist. And they’re putting over the poison mist. Well, Ripley took the poison mist last week, and she seems to be totally fine. You said that. You said last week that she’s gonna take the mist, she’s gonna sell it like that, and she’s gonna come back next week perfectly fine, no eye patch, no reddening of the eye. So, it’s got zero effects on Ripley. But now we’re supposed to believe again it’s a poisonous risk, and IYO SKY can’t see for the next two-and-a-half hours,” he said.
Russo’s critique reflects a wider concern about the booking decisions attributed to WWE executive Triple H, whose creative approach has faced scrutiny for undermining story credibility. This ongoing dispute has heightened fan tension as well as backstage frustration.
What’s at Stake for WWE and Its Top Female Competitors
The escalating conflict between Asuka and Rhea Ripley exemplifies WWE’s continued investment in dynamic female rivalries that can carry major events such as RAW and Crown Jewel. For Ripley and her allies, success at these upcoming matches could cement their status within the women’s division. Conversely, flawed storytelling risks alienating fans and veterans who expect consistency and intensity.
With Rhea Ripley WWE RAW storylines capturing significant attention, especially given the vocal reactions from personalities like Vince Russo and the passionate fanbase, the forthcoming episodes and events will be critical in determining how this feud develops and whether it reaches a satisfying conclusion. The outcome at Crown Jewel will likely have lasting effects on the characters and the brand’s future direction in women’s wrestling.
