Rhea Ripley’s WWE downfall is believed to stem from a pivotal booking choice, according to wrestling veteran Vince Russo. Once a prominent figure alongside Damian Priest, Ripley’s trajectory changed when their partnership ended, leading to a decline in her momentum within WWE.
How the End of the Terror Twins Altered Ripley’s Career Path
Rhea Ripley initially gained strong traction as one half of the “terror twins” with Damian Priest after they separated from the Judgment Day faction. Their alliance generated considerable fan interest, marking them as a formidable duo. However, WWE’s decision to separate them halted their progress abruptly. Following the split, Ripley and Priest pursued solo paths, but Russo sees this as a critical mistake that diminished Ripley’s standing.
On his show Writing with Russo, Vince Russo expressed his disappointment about the split:
“They had something when Priest and Rhea were the terror twins. They had something there. And now, the minute they both went their separate ways, they went from here, and now we are back here (gestures downfall).”
This comment highlights Russo’s belief that the separation directly contributed to Ripley’s reduced impact and relevance in WWE programming.
Concerns Over Ripley’s Off-Screen Conduct Affecting Her Character
Vince Russo also criticized Rhea Ripley’s backstage behavior, particularly how she presents herself on social media. Russo argues that such actions damage her on-screen persona, which is crucial for maintaining audience investment in her character. He referenced a specific instance following Ripley’s attack with poison mist on Monday Night RAW, where she posted a related photo that Russo felt undermined her gimmick.
“You talk about protecting a gimmick. And that’s the thing with her, like, it’s like every time I see a picture like that, I am like, why? Just don’t take the picture! I don’t understand what that does for you from a positive viewpoint. I just don’t understand it!”
Russo’s remarks underline the importance of aligning a wrestler’s public image with their storyline character to preserve credibility and fan interest.
Implications for Rhea Ripley’s Future in WWE
Rhea Ripley’s current situation in WWE reflects a period of uncertainty after once being seen as a rising star. The breakup of her partnership with Damian Priest and perceived missteps in managing her image have combined to stall her momentum. How WWE plans to navigate this phase for Ripley remains unclear, but her trajectory serves as a cautionary example of how booking decisions and personal branding can profoundly impact a wrestler’s career.
With Vince Russo’s pointed critique drawing attention to these issues, WWE could reassess Ripley’s role and develop new strategies to rebuild her status. Fans and analysts alike will be monitoring how Ripley responds in terms of character development and backstage conduct to potentially reverse the course of her WWE run.
