WWE fans received electrifying news during Friday Night SmackDown, as Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis—serving as General Managers for RAW and SmackDown respectively—came together to reveal the highly anticipated return of both the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments. With Rhea Ripley as top contender for WWE Queen of the Ring, excitement is at an all-time high as competitors and audiences alike prepare for a historic showdown in the women’s division.
The partnership between Pearce and Aldis has been rare, making their joint announcement particularly impactful. The Queen’s Crown Tournament, originally introduced earlier, was officially renamed retroactively, framing the upcoming event as the third official Queen of the Ring tournament. Past winners Zelina and Nia Jax set the stage for fierce competition, but this year’s bracket is filled with uncertainty and speculation.
Leading Contenders for the Crown
Speculation is swirling over which superstars will enter the tournament, but several standout names have already surfaced as serious contenders. Rhea Ripley, currently the most prominent female star in professional wrestling, is at the forefront. As a multi-time world champion who has headlined in WWE and remains the most admired women’s performer in the industry, Ripley’s star power gives her a significant edge. Her notable recent storylines, particularly her complex relationship with IYO SKY, have kept her in the spotlight.
Ripley’s ambitions extend to the Money in the Bank event, where she’s openly set her sights on regaining the WWE Women’s World Championship. However, should she fall short in that effort, her inevitable drive and fan following make her likely to enter the Queen of the Ring Tournament, with the potential to headline SummerSlam at stake.
Stephanie Vaquer has quickly become a name to watch after joining the RAW roster, having claimed both the NXT Women’s Championship and the Women’s North American Title. Vaquer, now competing in her first Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, will share the ring with Giulia, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Roxanne Perez. Despite the unpredictability of the Ladder Match, Vaquer’s recent rise suggests she could soon climb higher through the Queen of the Ring Tournament regardless of the Money in the Bank outcome.
Jade Cargill and Giulia Add Star Power
Jade Cargill, recognized for her unparalleled physical strength and agility, stands out as another top prospect. With credentials including the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles and the AEW TBS Championship, Cargill’s momentum is unmistakable. Although she has mainly teamed with Bianca Belair or feuded with Naomi, her inevitable push toward main event status seems imminent. Success in the Queen of the Ring bracket could lead to a major championship showdown against Tiffany Stratton at SummerSlam.
Giulia, known for her dominance in Japan and rapid rise since coming to WWE, has already left her mark by capturing the NXT Women’s Championship. Her ambitions are clear as she pursues the Women’s United States Championship, having just confronted and attacked Zelina Vega on SmackDown. With Triple H reportedly a strong supporter, Giulia’s frequent appearances and decisive actions on SmackDown signal her as another leading candidate, with fan speculation mounting around her position in the tournament.
The Road to SummerSlam and Beyond
The returning Queen of the Ring Tournament promises fierce competition, attention-grabbing storylines, and the potential for major shifts in WWE’s women’s division. While the official tournament field has not yet been announced, the focus remains on Rhea Ripley as the top contender, alongside rising superstars like Stephanie Vaquer, Jade Cargill, and Giulia. Each competitor brings unique strengths, story arcs, and fan investment to the table, making this year’s Queen of the Ring one of the most exciting in history.
With the possibility of the winner headlining SummerSlam and securing a place among WWE’s all-time greats, the upcoming tournament is poised to redefine what it means to be queen in sports entertainment. The anticipation continues to build, as fans await the official matchups and look to see if Rhea Ripley can seize the crown and further cement her legacy in WWE.
