Rhea Ripley recently identified Candice LeRae as a WWE Superstar who has not received the recognition she deserves, highlighting LeRae’s underrated status within the company. Ripley made these remarks shortly after WWE SummerSlam, where she last wrestled, voicing her opinion on LeRae’s underutilization in WWE programming.
In a conversation with SPORTbible, Ripley was asked to name a female wrestler she believes is overlooked by WWE. She pointed to Candice LeRae, a former NXT rival, emphasizing the qualities that make LeRae stand out beyond just her in-ring skills.
Ripley praised LeRae’s experience and leadership during their time together in NXT, stressing that LeRae brought calmness and intelligence to the ring. She expressed frustration that LeRae has not been given more opportunities to showcase her talents on a larger scale within the company.
“There’s so many women that I know are so amazing at what they do, and they don’t get enough TV time or the opportunities to really show everyone what they can do. Someone that I love is Candice LeRae, and going through NXT with her and how her brain works and how she goes out there and she’s like the vet in the ring, she knows what to do and she keeps everyone calm and she’s got ideas and it’s just like I wish that someone like her would get more of an opportunity,” said Ripley. [H/T: Fightful]
Meanwhile, WWE’s Women’s World Championship scene has seen recent developments following Naomi’s Money in the Bank cash-in during the title match between Ripley and IYO SKY at WWE Evolution. Naomi won the championship but later announced her pregnancy, requiring her to relinquish the title. This has left the championship picture open for a new contender to rise.
Wrestling Veteran Vince Russo Questions Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY’s Storyline on RAW
Vince Russo, a well-known wrestling commentator and former WWE writer, shared his views on the current storyline involving Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY on WWE RAW. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW show, Russo questioned the relationship angle between the two wrestlers, finding some elements confusing.
Russo remarked on how quickly Ripley and SKY’s characters appeared to become close, joking about missing the storyline’s progression that led to the sudden intimacy portrayed on television. His observations highlighted the unexpected nature of the storyline’s development as seen by viewers and industry insiders alike.
“That’s what I want to talk about, bro. Not for anything, that thing started, I’m watching this, and I’m like, wait a minute, I know I’ve been watching all these shows. I swear to God, I’m watching this and I’m like, they’re lovers now? I swear, that is how that thing started. I’m watching, I’m like, wait, I don’t remember. I know I’m getting old. Did I miss something? There was a very intimate moment at the beginning of that. This is kind of weird, ladies,” he said.
It remains to be seen how WWE will further develop Ripley and IYO SKY’s storyline in the upcoming weeks on RAW, as fans and analysts watch closely for new twists and character progressions.
Rhea Ripley’s remarks on Candice LeRae’s underrated status underscore an ongoing conversation about how WWE manages its female talent, particularly those with proven experience in NXT. As the women’s roster continues to grow and evolve, fans anticipate that performers like LeRae may receive expanded roles in the future. Ripley’s outspoken praise may shine a light on the need for WWE to utilize all its Superstars more effectively.
