WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently voiced his strong belief that Chelsea Green deserves more prominent positioning in WWE programming. Speaking on his OFF THE TOP podcast, Rikishi emphasized that Green is a prime talent who should receive the same level of presentation and storyline focus as Charlotte Flair, highlighting her potential as a main event star.
Rikishi Calls for Fair Treatment to Elevate Chelsea Green
Rikishi passionately outlined his view that Chelsea Green has the skills and charisma to succeed at the highest level of WWE but needs consistent support from the creative team. He stressed the importance of giving her opportunities to shine with compelling angles and show-stopping entrances, similar to what Charlotte Flair receives, rather than relegating her to supporting roles.
I feel 100 percent that Chelsea Green is a main eventer. It’s not that Chelsea can’t do the work. It’s not that Chelsea is not a prime talent performer. But the thing is, it’s how you’re writing stuff for this girl. Give Chelsea a fair opportunity. Build Chelsea up as much as you would give Charlotte Flair an opportunity. Give Chelsea that big, crazy entrance that I mean, really, really put it all out for her, and don’t worry about the work. Let her do that. She’s got that on point, but she can’t get over by herself, if she’s out there having great, great matches and continue to do jobs for whoever because you feel that next person, you want them to excel to the next level, or for whatever storyline you got. My thing is with good talent, you only get good talent once in a while when you come through, and when you finally find that good talent such as a Chelsea Green, you wanna make sure you protect her. If you don’t have nothing for her, put her down on the shelf for a second, right? Let it marinate — whatever they’re doing with the next person, blah, blah, blah. But when that time comes, because you know, just in case that angle doesn’t go through or that person gets hurt, you have a person like a Chelsea Green waiting here. This girl, Chelsea Green, she has a very special part in my heart. I met her on the independent circuit and then I told her — and mark my words and she can tell you this — it was one independent show. I believe it was Louisville, Kentucky someplace, and I told her, ‘One day, you gonna be up in a big show, and you gonna be big,’ and then here she is. So, y’all continue to support Chelsea. Just stay with her, ride with her, be patient with her, and WWE, y’all be patient with this one, because this one here, y’all got y’all a diamond on your hands.
— Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Comparing Roles in the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble
Both Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair participated in the 2026 women’s Royal Rumble, where Flair started at number one and lasted nearly an hour. In contrast, Green entered the match at number 18 and was eliminated after about eight minutes. This stark difference in their match duration underscores Rikishi’s point about the disparity in how WWE currently positions these two athletes on major platforms.
Why Building Chelsea Green Matters for WWE’s Future
Rikishi’s call to better develop Chelsea Green reflects a broader issue in WWE’s management of emerging talent. Protecting and nurturing prime performers ensures the company maintains a strong roster capable of sustaining interest through fresh rivalries and captivating storylines. As Rikishi noted, it is crucial to safeguard such talent rather than risk losing momentum by placing them in losing situations or neglecting their visibility.
By investing in Chelsea Green with the same intensity and commitment WWE dedicates to Charlotte Flair, the promotion could unveil a new main event star capable of elevating the women’s division. Green’s background on the independent circuit and her evident skill set suggest she has the potential to become a vital figure in WWE’s future programming.
As Rikishi stressed, patience and strategic storytelling will be key. Whether through a high-profile entrance, meaningful feuds, or a carefully paced rise, building Chelsea Green into a top-tier competitor could pay dividends for WWE’s long-term success.
