During recent WWE RAW tapings in France, Rhea Ripley appeared in a backstage interview that highlighted ongoing concerns about her creative direction. WWE correspondent Cathy Kelley spoke with Ripley about the upcoming Women’s World Championship match between Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY. Ripley expressed her focus on the match and readiness to face whoever emerged victorious, but the conversation was interrupted by Asuka and Kairi Sane, leading to a tense moment between Asuka and Ripley before the Kabuki Warriors exited.
Vince Russo Critiques Decline in Ripley’s On-Screen Persona
On the latest episode of Legion of RAW, former WWE head writer Vince Russo addressed worries about Ripley’s dwindling momentum within the roster. He observed that Ripley seemed to have lost her intensity in recent months and attributed this shift partly to her friendship with IYO SKY, which Russo felt contradicted her previously fierce character. He expressed confusion about the creative decisions affecting Ripley’s presentation and warned that these choices could harm her persona’s strength.
“Bro, I swear to God. I’m watching this, and is it just me, or are they turning Rhea Ripley into a regular person? Remember, they had the vignette last week with her and IYO SKY, where I literally thought they were gonna kiss. I really thought there were. I was waiting for that. And then here, she’s got no crazy makeup. She’s tame. What are we doing with her? I don’t understand it.”
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Head Writer
The Impact of Creative Decisions on Ripley’s Image
Rhea Ripley has been recognized as one of WWE’s most dominant competitors, making her portrayal on the main roster vital for maintaining her star power. Russo‘s remarks underscore a broader unease with the creative team’s handling of her character, as fans and insiders watch closely to see if she can recover her previous edge and re-establish herself as a formidable force in the women’s division.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ripley’s WWE Storyline
As Ripley continues to navigate evolving storylines and rivalries, her ability to regain the fierce image that initially captivated audiences will be crucial. Observers remain uncertain whether WWE’s creative approach will adjust in response to the backlash, or if Ripley will find new opportunities to strengthen her presence within the roster in the coming months.
