Rhea Ripley, despite her strong following within the WWE Universe, may switch to a heel persona at this year’s SummerSlam in New Jersey. This development marks a pivotal moment in Ripley’s journey as she pursues the Women’s World Championship once again, aiming to transform her storyline and refresh her character in the process.
Having mostly maintained a babyface role through most of the past year, Ripley’s evolving predicament comes after a series of near-misses for the title, including a brief victory coinciding with the RAW on Netflix debut. With multiple title opportunities ahead in 2025, including a notable match against Naomi at SummerSlam, a heel turn would redefine her path and generate renewed interest among fans and critics alike.
The Context Behind Ripley’s Long Road to the Title
Rhea Ripley has stood as one of WWE’s top female wrestlers for years, ranking alongside notable names like Roman Reigns, John Cena, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair. She has held the Women’s World Championship twice, but her recent title reigns have seen rapid shifts. After winning the title in January 2024, Ripley lost it merely weeks later following the Elimination Chamber event.
Since then, Ripley has had four more chances to reclaim the belt in 2025 alone, including ongoing rivalries against Iyo Sky and Naomi. However, Ripley’s character has appeared stuck in a cycle, hovering near championship glory without making a lasting impact or substantial change to her approach.
Why a Heel Turn Could Revitalize Ripley’s Character
As Ripley’s frustrations increase over her inability to recapture the Women’s World Championship, a heel turn could justify her eventual title victory and add depth to her narrative. WWE superstars often aim for a defining “WrestleMania moment” or a similarly significant event at other major pay-per-views like SummerSlam. For Ripley, shifting to a heel role at SummerSlam would not only freshen her character but also highlight the emotional toll of her prolonged chase for gold.
A victory for Naomi over Iyo Sky could be the catalyst for Ripley to attack her friendly rival Sky out of frustration, marking a sharp contrast to their previously civil relationship. This angle would bring the aggression and darker edge fans expect from a heel character, setting the stage for an intense rivalry and renewed stakes.
The Impact of Past Rivalries and Fan Reactions
Ripley’s history with Liv Morgan showcases the complicated nature of face and heel dynamics in WWE. Although Ripley has received cheers during their feud, Morgan gradually gained more fan support, thanks in part to her portrayal of a disruptive heel and her chaotic storyline involving Dominik Mysterio. Ripley herself was a heel when she ended her tag team with Morgan in 2022 and was responsible for injuring her in 2023, making Morgan’s hostility toward Ripley credible and emotionally charged.
The example of LA Knight, who effectively turned the crowd’s emotions through his heel work, suggests that Ripley could catalyze a similar role reversal if she turns heel at SummerSlam. This would likely encourage fans to rally behind Morgan and other faces opposing Ripley, igniting fresh enthusiasm for their ongoing feud.
Reasons for Change After a Stagnant Period
Although Ripley has remained one of RAW’s premier women’s wrestlers, her character has remained largely unchanged for over a year. Despite gaining some of the loudest cheers in the arena, her storylines have stalled and she has treading water without breaking new ground. This stagnation emphasizes the need for change, making a heel turn not just an option but a necessity to maintain momentum.
Ripley’s growing frustration within her storylines, mirrored by her lack of championship success, creates a believable motivation for a character shift. Turning heel would not only provide a new direction for “The Eradicator” but also introduce a darker, edgier side to the character that could dominate WWE programming during the second half of 2025.
Potential New Rivalries and Brand Opportunities
Following a possible heel turn, WWE might consider moving Ripley to the SmackDown brand after the annual Draft, which is anticipated to take place sometime after SummerSlam. This shift would open up a fresh slate of rivalries with SmackDown’s top faces such as Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Bianca Belair, assuming they remain babyfaces.
Ripley’s prior feuds with Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky laid the groundwork for rekindled storylines on the blue brand, including the possibility of a major singles showdown at a future pay-per-view event. There is even speculation about Ripley pursuing matchups with international stars like Giulia, further expanding her portfolio of compelling opponents.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Ripley’s WWE Career
The potential heel turn at the Biggest Party of the Summer represents a crucial turning point, one that could redefine Rhea Ripley’s narrative arc and refresh WWE’s women’s division. This change would respond to fan expectations for dramatic storytelling and competitive rivalries, while also giving Ripley the chance to elevate her career beyond its recent stagnation.
If executed well, this shift could make Ripley’s character more complex and unpredictable, enhancing her appeal and sparking fresh interest across WWE programming. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this development unfolds and its impact on Ripley’s pursuit of championship gold in the months ahead.
