At WWE Evolution 2, Rhea Ripley challenged IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s World Championship in a highly intense main event. Despite a fierce battle that included multiple finishers and segments outside the ring involving the crowd, Ripley was unable to secure the championship. The match took a dramatic twist when Naomi cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase mid-contest, turning it into a triple threat and pinning SKY to capture the title, leaving Ripley visibly stunned.
Nikki Bella Expresses Desire for High-Profile Rivalry with Rhea Ripley
Before Evolution, Nikki Bella disclosed her hopes for a compelling WWE feud centered on Rhea Ripley during an interview on Busted Open Radio. Bella drew parallels between Ripley and Paige, recalling the anti-Diva persona that Paige portrayed in a past era. She envisioned a heel Nikki Bella opposing Ripley’s powerful presence in the ring, stating that the dynamic could evoke the energy Bella once experienced alongside Ronda Rousey with her sister Brie Bella also involved.
“One of my main ones is Rhea Ripley. It’s a similar feel of how Paige and I were. Paige’s character, anti-Diva, goth. What I see with Rhea, it also gives me vibes of how I was with Ronda (Rousey) with Brie (Bella) by my side. I feel like heel Nikki would be so incredible with her.” —Nikki Bella, WWE Star
“Rhea has layers, but I feel like what my character has would bring even more layers out of her of stuff that we don’t know yet about Mami and everything she is. She is someone that I always look at and not only do I think we can create a lot of magic in the ring, but I think the storytelling can be so different, fresh, and fun,” she said. —Nikki Bella, WWE Star
Bella emphasized that Ripley’s character already possesses depth, but her own persona could help reveal new dimensions of Ripley’s story, referred to as “Mami.” She believes their interaction would generate unique storytelling opportunities that go beyond standard wrestling rivalries, highlighting a fresh and captivating narrative for WWE viewers.
Nikki Bella’s WWE Return and Recent Storylines
Nikki Bella made her in-ring return at the Women’s Royal Rumble earlier this year but then stayed mostly off television until June. After returning to WWE RAW, she briefly engaged in a storyline with Liv Morgan. Unfortunately, Morgan’s shoulder injury delayed further developments in their angle. At Evolution, Bella also participated in a 20-woman battle royal, which Stephanie Vaquer won, earning a future title shot at Clash in Paris.
Broader WWE Landscape and Related Updates
Aside from the buzz surrounding Ripley’s championship quest and Bella’s ambitious plans, other wrestling developments continue shaping the current AEW and WWE scenes. AEW star “Hangman” Adam Page has openly discussed the importance of authenticity ahead of AEW All In Texas, while WWE legend Triple H has declined to commit to resurrecting the all-women’s Evolution event annually.
WWE is reportedly interested in bringing back a four-time champion who last appeared on the roster in 2020, as speculation swirls around potential returns. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll’s involvement in a prominent WWE SmackDown storyline hints at his ring debut. MJF from AEW also made an ominous statement after All In, signaling new angles to watch. Additionally, rumors and reports about Seth Rollins’ injury status and Adam Cole’s injury that sidelined him from AEW show ongoing concerns for some top talents in the wrestling world.
The Significance of a Nikki Bella and Rhea Ripley Feud
A showdown between Nikki Bella and Rhea Ripley promises to combine intense athleticism with complex character work, potentially elevating both superstars in WWE’s women’s division. Bella’s idea of adding fresh storytelling layers to Ripley’s character could refresh Ripley’s trajectory, especially following her recent near misses at championship gold. This feud would also revisit a classic formula seen in previous WWE eras, where strong, contrasting personas like those of Paige and Bella created memorable rivalries that engaged fans on and off the mat.
As Bella continues her comeback path and Ripley remains a top contender, WWE fans can anticipate a dynamic narrative that could redefine both wrestlers’ careers and deliver compelling drama in the months ahead. The combination of Bella’s seasoned presence and Ripley’s raw power offers an opportunity for WWE to deepen the women’s division’s storytelling and showcase evolution within the sport.
