Rhea Ripley, a former Women’s World Champion, made a surprising return to NXT in early September, drawing attention to her evolving role in WWE’s landscape. Her return to the developmental brand was unexpected, especially given her current involvement in storylines on WWE’s main roster, including ongoing tensions with the Kabuki Warriors.
Rhea Ripley’s Journey Through WWE Developmental and Main Roster
Rhea Ripley’s career is a strong testament to WWE’s developmental system, which propelled her from NXT UK to NXT and ultimately onto the main roster. Throughout this journey, she has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Royal Rumble, competing at WrestleMania, and capturing multiple world championships. Ripley has built a reputation as a dominant competitor and a charismatic performer.
Currently, Ripley is embroiled in a storyline conflict involving the Kabuki Warriors, who oppose her friendship with IYO SKY. Despite warnings from SKY to maintain distance, Ripley remains determined to keep close ties with Asuka and Kairi Sane, the members of the Kabuki Warriors. This tension recently culminated on Raw, where Ripley intervened to assist Nikki Bella following a backstage altercation with the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. That incident caused Bella to lose her first Raw match in a decade.
What Prompted Ripley’s Return to NXT?
As NXT prepares for its Homecoming event at Full Sail University on September 16th, many wrestlers connected to the brand’s history are expected to appear. One week prior to the event, Ripley’s return was notable, especially since she arrived alongside other prominent figures. The NXT Women’s Champion, Jacy Jayne, criticized her Fatal Influence teammates, Jazmyn Nyx and Fallon Henley, after they failed to earn a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Jayne claimed to be the greatest NXT Women’s Champion of all time, provoking the unexpected return of former NXT Women’s Champions Stephanie Vaquer, Tiffany Stratton, and Ripley herself.
These three champions united to confront and overpower Fatal Influence before the show concluded, signaling a strong statement from the returning champions. Their appearance emphasized the pride and legacy connected to the NXT Women’s Division as the brand prepares to revisit its roots.
Rhea Ripley’s Role in WWE’s Ongoing Storylines
Ripley’s return to NXT provided an opportunity to reinforce the brand’s strength while advancing the narrative around rivalries involving the women’s divisions on both NXT and the main roster. Her ongoing feud with the Kabuki Warriors, centered on alliances and betrayals, remains a significant storyline element. Ripley’s willingness to intervene in Nikki Bella’s backstage conflict further highlights her evolving character as both a fighter and an ally within WWE.
Returning to NXT for a prominent moment ahead of the Homecoming event could signal WWE’s intent to use Ripley as a bridge between NXT and the main roster storylines, as well as to celebrate the history and ongoing development within the women’s division. Ripley’s involvement at multiple levels underscores her importance to WWE’s current programming and future plans.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Ripley’s NXT Return
Ripley’s surprising appearance on NXT ahead of the Homecoming event may serve multiple purposes. It rekindles the connection between the brand and its past champions while setting up potential storylines that blend the main roster with NXT talent. This strategy helps maintain viewer interest across WWE’s programming and rejuvenates the brand as it returns to Full Sail University, the site where much of its identity was formed.
Given her track record and popularity, Ripley’s involvement with NXT could lead to new rivalries and collaborations, enriching both the developmental territory and the main roster storylines. The Homecoming event itself promises to be a focal point for celebrating NXT’s legacy, and Ripley’s presence is likely to be a key highlight for fans and wrestlers alike.
