Rhea Ripley has opened up about a pivotal moment in her career during WWE’s 2018 Mae Young Classic, highlighting a major “what if” that could have altered her path significantly. The incident occurred during the tournament’s quarterfinals in a match against Nixon Newell, who is better known today as Tegan Nox. Ripley wondered how different her journey might have been if not for an injury that abruptly ended the match and shifted the tournament’s outcome.
How an Injury Changed the Course of the Mae Young Classic
During their quarterfinal bout, Newell attempted a high-risk suicide dive but landed awkwardly and suffered a severe knee injury, forcing the match to stop early. Ripley, embracing her heel persona at the moment, responded by taunting Newell as the match came to an unexpected halt. The injury prevented Newell from advancing further in the tournament, leaving Ripley’s progression and career trajectory deeply affected by the event.
Rhea Ripley Shares Her Career ‘What If’ on Uncrowned Podcast
Reflecting on the incident during an appearance on Raj Prashad’s Uncrowned podcast, Ripley remarked,
“My biggest ‘what if’ would have to be what if Tegan Nox didn’t get injured? That’s my big one, because if that didn’t happen, I don’t know if Rhea Ripley would be here.”
– Rhea Ripley
The Injury’s Impact on the Tournament and WWE Futures
Years after the event, Newell revealed that WWE had originally intended for her to reach the finals of the Mae Young Classic that year. However, due to her injury, the final matchup featured Toni Storm facing IYO SKY instead, creating a different narrative and shifting opportunities for multiple WWE performers, including Ripley herself.
Rhea Ripley’s Growing Legacy in WWE
Since that defining moment, Rhea Ripley has made a significant imprint in WWE. She became the first-ever NXT UK Women’s Champion and also held titles such as the NXT Women’s Championship and Raw Women’s Championship. Her rise within WWE reflects both her talent and the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where a single incident can alter career paths.
Looking Ahead: How This Moment Shapes Ripley’s Future
The reality of that 2018 injury remains an unresolved “what if” in Ripley’s story, emphasizing the unpredictable twists that influence WWE careers. Ripley’s reflection sheds light on how unexpected events can dramatically shape wrestling trajectories and highlights her resilience despite unforeseen challenges. Fans and industry observers alike continue to watch her career evolve, acknowledging that moments like these have lasting implications for her future opportunities within WWE.
