WWE fans were left stunned as Rhea Ripley eliminated from Queen of the Ring in a major upset during RAW, when Roxanne Perez pinned Kairi Sane to advance in the tournament. Ripley’s early exit has sparked debate about WWE’s strategy heading into future major events, especially with the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event set for her hometown of Perth, Australia, in October 2025.
WWE’s Long-Term Plans for Ripley in Australia
The upcoming Crown Jewel event is scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia, marking a potential homecoming celebration for Rhea Ripley. With this significant show looming in 2025, WWE might have chosen to save a major victory or spotlight moment for Ripley in front of her home crowd. The Queen of the Ring tournament, by contrast, is set for June in Saudi Arabia, suggesting the promotion is reserving her biggest triumph for a stage where she can receive a hero’s welcome.
This approach is not without precedent. During the 2024 Elimination Chamber event, Ripley enjoyed overwhelming crowd support as she defended the Women’s World Championship against Nia Jax in Perth. WWE could be hoping to replicate that level of excitement by positioning Ripley for another major title opportunity on Australian soil, reinforcing her status as a top star during one of the company’s global events.
Ripley’s Character Direction and Ongoing Rivalries
Rhea Ripley’s persona has hovered between villainous and heroic, with recent storylines blurring the lines more than ever. After losing the Women’s World Championship to IYO SKY on RAW in March 2025—partly due to Bianca Belair’s ringside support for the Damage CTRL member—Ripley blamed Belair for the upset, despite never defeating SKY herself.
Ripley’s competitive spirit led her to force her way into WrestleMania 41, turning Belair’s original match with SKY into a high-stakes Triple Threat. Though there was a brief moment of respect with her former rival following those events, Ripley’s subsequent setbacks—including elimination in the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match and now from Queen of the Ring—may prompt WWE to steer her towards a renewed villainous turn.
Promoting New Faces in WWE’s Women’s Division
Rhea Ripley is already one of the company’s most prominent talents and doesn’t need to claim titles like Money in the Bank or Queen of the Ring to remain in the championship conversation. Her rivalry with IYO SKY keeps her relevant at the top of the division. Meanwhile, WWE has been actively elevating newcomers within the women’s roster, an effort visible both in the Queen of the Ring and recent Women’s Money in the Bank matches.
Roxanne Perez emerged victorious over established names like Ripley and Liv Morgan, signaling WWE’s commitment to showcasing new and rising stars. This trend could intensify competition and add unpredictability to future events, keeping fans engaged as the build toward major pay-per-view moments such as the Crown Jewel in Perth continues.
The Road Ahead for Rhea Ripley
The decision to have Rhea Ripley eliminated from Queen of the Ring may ultimately set her up for a grander narrative arc, aligning her biggest victories with significant milestones in Australia. WWE’s focus on nurturing the next generation of female talent also promises fresh rivalries, with Ripley remaining a central figure in championship storylines despite her recent defeats. As storylines develop, fans will be watching closely to see whether Ripley embraces her babyface role or transitions into a more antagonistic direction, especially with major international events on the horizon.
