During WrestleMania 36, WWE had to adapt quickly due to the COVID-19 pandemic by relocating the event from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, to its Performance Center. Originally planned as a single-night event, the company expanded the show into two nights to accommodate new safety protocols. This unusual setup influenced how matches unfolded, including the bout between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair.
Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair’s Unexpectedly Long WrestleMania 36 Match
Charlotte Flair entered WrestleMania 36 as the Women’s Royal Rumble 2020 winner, challenging NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley. Their match, initially scheduled for a shorter time, extended to over 20 minutes and 30 seconds, with Flair ultimately winning by submission. Ripley later reflected on this match during an interview with Sport Bible, revealing they exceeded the time limit significantly but avoided any repercussions from WWE.
“I’ve never been punished but I know that one of my matches, the COVID era WrestleMania with Charlotte [Flair] — we definitely went double the time we were supposed to but we didn’t get punished for it,” Rhea Ripley revealed.
Rhea Ripley’s Career Growth Following WrestleMania 36
Despite the loss at WrestleMania 36, Ripley bounced back and evolved into a leading figure within WWE. She gained prominence through her alliance with WWE Hall of Famer Edge’s faction, The Judgment Day. Their partnership helped solidify her status as a top competitor in the company’s women’s division.
The Rematch and Ripley’s Rise at WrestleMania 39
Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair faced off again at WrestleMania 39, where Ripley emerged victorious. This win reinforced Ripley’s rise as a major talent in WWE, further establishing her as one of the company’s premier stars and a key player in the women’s roster.
