Questions have emerged about whether Rhea Ripley could regain the Women’s World Championship with a dramatic heel turn at Evolution, following strong opinions from former WWE wrestler Aiden English. The debate centers on Ripley’s current character direction, the creative decisions behind her ongoing rivalry with IYO SKY, and what a shift might mean for the women’s division.
Rhea Ripley’s Rise, Setback, and Debate Over Her Next Step
Rhea Ripley commanded WWE RAW as Women’s World Champion for over a year before circumstances forced her to vacate her title. Although she has become one of the most recognizable figures in WWE, her career saw a notable heel phase before fans and respected veterans began to embrace her role in The Judgment Day. Despite enjoying significant popularity, her latest title reign was cut short soon after she reclaimed the championship from Liv Morgan during WWE RAW’s celebrated Netflix debut.
Former WWE star Aiden English, now known as Matthew Rehwoldt, voiced his opinion on the Rebooked Wrestling Podcast. He speculated that a heel turn could put Rhea Ripley back at the top of the division, especially if such a move occurred during her match against IYO SKY at Evolution. Given her status as a fan favorite, such a drastic character change would mark a major shift for the 28-year-old wrestler.
Calls for Fresh Direction Amid Stagnant Feud
Aiden English did not hide his feelings about the current storyline, describing the ongoing feud between Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY as lacking excitement. He argued that both competitors currently occupy the babyface role, making their rivalry less compelling and in need of a spark. English believes that Ripley taking on a villainous persona could invigorate her presence and alter the landscape of the women’s division.
“Here’s my problem with it. They might [put it back on Rhea Ripley]. I don’t think it is locked, though. My problem is I’m a little bored of Rhea and IYO [SKY], especially when they’re both kind of babyface. Unless this is a heel turn for Rhea, which would make an exciting change for her character,”
English said. —Aiden English, Former WWE Star
Veteran Criticizes Booking Ahead of Evolution Event
The booking decisions behind pitting Ripley against IYO SKY at the upcoming Evolution event have attracted criticism from other wrestling veterans as well. Vince Russo, speaking on Legion of RAW, questioned why WWE’s creative team would schedule yet another title match between two wrestlers with such a long rivalry but little narrative tension. He stressed that without a clear hero or villain, fans may find it hard to invest emotionally in the outcome.
“Seriously, like, I would love to ask a mark, who are you cheering for and why? Because they’ve wrestled so many times before, there’s no heat here, nobody’s mad at anybody else, so, you know, ‘IYO SKY, I want to beat you because I want to be the best,’ and I’m okay, so I’m rooting for you, I guess. I don’t know, bro,”
he said. —Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Potential Impact of a Rhea Ripley Heel Turn
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY have crossed paths in numerous matches, both on WWE’s developmental ranks and the main roster, rendering their dynamic familiar to long-time fans. With both women currently playing the role of fan favorites, the absence of traditional good-versus-evil storytelling has drawn criticism from the wrestling community.
The prospect of Ripley reclaiming the Women’s World Championship through a dramatic heel turn could provide the much-needed jolt their feud requires. Such a move might shift audience allegiances, inject tension into the rivalry, and potentially redefine Ripley’s career. As speculation mounts, all eyes will be on the Evolution Premium Live Event to see whether WWE will take this bold creative direction and elevate the women’s division to new heights.
