Rhea Ripley, currently holding one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside IYO SKY, is generating significant discussion as the WWE approaches the 2026 Royal Rumble event. The growing buzz around Ripley’s WWE presence has attracted comments from former WWE personalities, highlighting her impact and potential trajectory within the company.
Brooke Tessmacher Praises Ripley’s Magnetic Aura
In a recent interview with WrestlingNews.co, former WWE star Brooke Tessmacher expressed admiration for Ripley’s powerful presence both inside and outside the ring. Tessmacher praised Ripley’s unique charisma and said,
“I’m obsessed with her [Rhea Ripley]. If I was going to be a lesbian, girl, let’s be honest, you couldn’t get me off you. I don’t know what it is, but she makes me question [myself]. She’s so hot, and it’s just her aura. She walks in, and you just have it. She’s one in a million girls, and I don’t think you’ll ever see anybody like her. She gets the attention and brings the energy like the men do. And that’s very rare for the women.”
—Brooke Tessmacher
Former WWE Writer Criticizes Changes to Ripley’s Character
Despite Ripley and SKY’s recent success as a tag team leading into WrestleMania 42, not all industry voices are convinced about the direction of Ripley’s on-screen persona. Vince Russo, a former WWE writer, voiced his dissatisfaction on his podcast The Brand, questioning the shift in Ripley’s character from a feared and gothic fighter to a softer, more affectionate role. Russo commented,
“What is Rhea Ripley doing with her character? She went from Mami and gothic and the big foot stomp and the big bad*** to like she’s in love with her girlfriend. Like constantly hugging IYO SKY and rubbing heads and smiling. Do you think somebody literally said to Rhea Ripley, ‘You need to change your character?’ Because I don’t get it. She’s not feared anymore. There’s no goth feeling.”
—Vince Russo
“I used to compare her to Chyna. Chyna wasn’t freaking hugging Sunny. She’s nowhere near Chyna. I would never compare the two of them now. There’s been such a character change with her, and I don’t think it’s for the better.”
—Vince Russo
Upcoming WWE Events Stir More Speculation
Alongside discussions about Ripley, speculation continues around WWE Hall of Famers traveling to international events, including a high-profile Royal Rumble scheduled in Saudi Arabia. Rumors are swirling that former WWE personalities such as Vince McMahon may appear in upcoming WWE showcases, intensifying anticipation for the 2026 Royal Rumble season.
Broader WWE Landscape Remains Dynamic
Other figures within WWE, including veterans and emerging talent such as Stephanie McMahon, Nikki Bella, Kairi Sane, and Liv Morgan, remain active in cultivating storylines and fan interest. Concurrently, the AEW scene and other wrestling promotions observe these WWE shifts, as seen with commentary from industry veterans on GUNTHER’s next potential WWE opponents.
The Importance of Rhea Ripley’s WWE Character Evolution
Ripley’s evolving character, along with her strong in-ring performances, illustrate the challenges wrestlers face balancing fan expectations and creative direction. While praise from former stars like Tessmacher underscores Ripley’s undeniable appeal, concerns about the potential dilution of her fierce persona raise questions about WWE’s long-term strategy for her character. As the Royal Rumble approaches, how WWE manages Ripley’s image could significantly impact her career trajectory and fan engagement moving forward.
