On the eve of WWE Night of Champions, commentator Wade Barrett publicly stated that Rhea Ripley called a bully, intensifying the atmosphere before her highly anticipated Street Fight against Raquel Rodriguez in the premium live event. This heated encounter is rooted in a personal rivalry dating back to their time together in NXT, bringing strong emotions to the forefront in an already tense WWE landscape.
Tensions Rise as Ripley Faces Rodriguez with History at Stake
Rhea Ripley, known as The Eradicator, is set to face off with Raquel Rodriguez in a match that has fans and insiders buzzing due to the duo’s shared past as former allies turned fierce adversaries. Their relationship, which started in NXT, has soured, with both athletes now competing to prove who truly deserves dominance in the women’s division. Tonight’s Street Fight serves not only as a confrontation of physical toughness but also as a test of personal resolve, shaped by years of competition and betrayal.
Wade Barrett Labels Ripley In-Ring Aggressor
During the Countdown to Night of Champions, Wade Barrett, an ex-Intercontinental Champion, gave his candid thoughts on Ripley’s wrestling approach, noting her aggression and impact on opponents. Barrett’s observation drew particular attention as he analyzed the upcoming clash and compared the attributes of Rodriguez and Ripley.

“My belief is Rhea Ripley is a bully. And I don’t mean that as an insult. She’s a bully in-ring. She physically bullies all of her opponents. The one issue with Raquel is that Rhea Ripley simply cannot because Raquel is bigger, Raquel is stronger, and I believe Raquel is tougher than Rhea Ripley”
—Wade Barrett, WWE Commentator
Barrett explicitly claimed Ripley routinely overpowers those across the ring but doubted that her aggressive style would succeed against Rodriguez, who he describes as physically superior. His remarks have only stoked the already fiery tensions leading up to the showdown, making the contest more unpredictable.
Ripley Vows Brutality in Decisive Rematch
Rhea Ripley, when questioned during the Countdown to Night of Champions segment, shed light on the origins of her feud with Raquel Rodriguez. She accused Rodriguez of betrayal during their shared days in NXT, expressing a belief that Rodriguez pushed her out just as Ripley later responded on the main roster. Both women, former Women’s World Champions, view this Street Fight as the crucial tiebreaker in their turbulent series, with each aiming to settle the score once and for all.
Ripley vehemently promised an unrestrained assault on Rodriguez, stating her intention to make a statement in the ring through sheer violence. The expectation for an intense and potentially brutal contest has left fans and commentators on edge, signaling that emotions and stakes are higher than ever.
Significance for WWE’s Women’s Division
The outcome of the Ripley versus Rodriguez Street Fight at WWE Night of Champions holds broader implications for the women’s division. With key figures such as Raquel Rodriguez, Rhea Ripley, and voices like Wade Barrett shaping the narrative, the result will likely influence future title pictures and rivalries. As dramatic storylines unfold featuring stars including John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Giulia, and Roman Reigns, this match stands out for its history-laden tension and intense personal stakes, promising aftershocks throughout the WWE universe.
