Becky Lynch continues to solidify her status as one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling, demonstrated by her remarkable performances during recent WWE shows in the United Kingdom. As the focus of WWE Rising Stars and Fading Stars, Lynch’s skill in drawing strong reactions—both boos and cheers—from audiences highlights her exceptional ability to command attention. While she faced hostile UK crowds eager to support any opponent against her, even less charismatic wrestlers like Tiffany Stratton and Nikki Bella, she skillfully maintained her dominant presence.
Her sharp wit was displayed in her insults, such as dubbing Nikki Bella a “Broke-neck barbie,” and referencing Manchester with,
“The only good thing that came out of here died a month ago,”
an allusion to Ozzy Osbourne. What makes Lynch’s exchanges particularly engaging is her willingness to absorb her opponents’ verbal counters, like when Tiffany Stratton taunted,
“If you’re not a dog, why are you whining like a little bitch,”
which Lynch sells convincingly as if deeply affected. This dynamic back-and-forth adds layers to her character and keeps fans invested.
Since her 2021 heel turn, which many felt lacked authenticity, Lynch’s current villainous persona has become more effective, aided by her switch in entrance music from the energizing “Celtic Invasion” to the more ominous “New Lows.” This change helps set the right mood for the audience’s mixed reactions. Lynch’s current run presents her as a rising star who not only captivates through in-ring action but through her compelling character work.
The Judgment Day Continues to Impress on Monday Night Raw
The faction known as The Judgment Day has quietly delivered some of the most consistent and entertaining performances on Monday Night Raw, making them a standout example in WWE’s recent programming. Despite the lack of a clear backstory or their original founder Edge’s brief tenure, the group has blossomed into a cohesive unit with strong internal chemistry and engaging storylines that resonate with fans.
This past week, they were central to the highest quality matches of the night. Finn Balor and A.J. Styles delivered a well-fought bout with a clean finish that pleased the audience. Roxanne Perez exceeded expectations by going toe-to-toe with Rhea Ripley in what many described as the evening’s highlight. J.D. McDonagh participated in an exciting contest against Dragon Lee, although the finish was somewhat controversial due to a distracting interference that wasn’t strictly necessary given McDonagh’s solid performance.
While The Judgment Day may not always headline shows, their reliability and ability to perform week after week suggests they will be remembered as one of the significant factions in WWE’s history, making their continued development an important storyline to follow.
Chelsea Green’s Unexpected Surge in Popularity
Among WWE’s rising actors, Chelsea Green’s reception at the NXT Heatwave event was notably intense and surprising. As a heel, receiving a roaring reaction from the crowd contradicts the usual response villains aim for, but it underscores the impact she has made. Green’s contributions in her recent comedic heel persona, often characterized as a “Karen,” have been well received, especially when paired with Ethan Page in NXT storylines.
Green’s willingness to endure physical punishment and humiliation for the sake of entertainment has not gone unnoticed by WWE viewers. Her sympathetic portrayal on WWE Unreal also helped endear her to the audience in ways that transcend traditional heel roles. The crowd’s enthusiastic response contrasted sharply with the less impressive debut of her opponent, Tyra Mae Steele, whose first match was marred by unfavorable reactions.
Whether this fervor marks a singular moment or the start of a greater push remains uncertain, but Chelsea Green’s rising profile makes her an intriguing figure in WWE’s evolving landscape, worthy of close attention going forward.
Cody Rhodes Faces Challenges Despite Wrestling Triumphs
Following his triumphant recapture of the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes might be expected to enjoy a dominant position in WWE. However, his apparent fading relevance raises concerns amid WWE Rising Stars and Fading Stars trends. Despite his title status, Smackdown has largely centered on John Cena’s storyline, sidelining Rhodes and diminishing his visibility.
Compounding this, Rhodes has missed several Smackdown episodes due to a storyline injury, further reducing his presence on television. His podcast,
“What Do You Wanna Talk About?,”
has also drawn mixed reviews, sometimes portraying him as self-important rather than the heroic figure he appears as in the ring. This shift in perception is troubling considering Rhodes’s status as one of the most successful babyfaces in recent WWE history, and his past stint in AEW still shadows his current character.
The Manchester crowd’s boos when Roman Reigns mentioned Rhodes signal a potential decline in fan support. The prospect of Drew McIntyre helping to restore Rhodes’s prominence exists, but McIntyre’s own distractions, including a rivalry with Randy Orton, make that uncertain. Rhodes’s character needs careful handling to avoid repeating past setbacks, as WWE cannot afford to lose the “American Nightmare” identity he embodies.
Emerging and Struggling Talents: Tavion Heights and Wes Lee
Tavion Heights arrived in WWE with strong credentials, including representing the United States in the 2020 Olympics as an amateur wrestler. Since debuting in 2022, his trajectory has been uneven. After initial undercard status, he joined the No Quarter Catch Crew faction in mid-2024 before breaking away and scoring a notable win over Charlie Dempsey. Recently, he entered a significant feud with NXT North American Champion Ethan Page, aligned with fellow Olympian Tyra Mae Steele in a USA versus Canada storyline.
Unfortunately for Heights, this storyline has struggled to connect amid the current political climate, and live crowds have favored his opponents, notably Chelsea Green, undermining his impact at the Heatwave event. His in-ring skills and passionate promos give him potential, but his first major pay-per-view appearance was overshadowed by a crowd rallying mainly for Green, signaling an uphill battle ahead.
Wes Lee, once one of NXT’s brightest stars, has also seen his momentum stall. After an impressive two-year run that included a record-breaking NXT North American Championship reign, Lee’s return from a lengthy injury layoff in April 2024 failed to recapture his former prominence. His subsequent involvement in the tag team High Ryze did not win much attention, and his television appearances have dwindled, with him absent from NXT programming for about a month.
Though always a strong performer, Lee’s reduced role raises questions about injury concerns or creative direction shifts, leaving fans worried about the future of a once top-tier talent.
Why These Shifts Matter for WWE’s Future
The evolving fortunes of stars like Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Chelsea Green, Tavion Heights, and Wes Lee reflect the delicate balance WWE must maintain in promoting talent. The industry thrives on dynamic character development and audience engagement, and rising stars bring new energy while fading performers can cause gaps in storytelling and fan interest.
How WWE addresses these shifts—whether by cultivating Lynch’s appeal, revitalizing Rhodes’s significance, capitalizing on Green’s surprising fan response, or helping Heights and Lee find their footing—will shape the brand’s direction in the coming months. For viewers and insiders alike, watching these trajectories provides a window into WWE’s ongoing struggle to stay relevant and exciting amidst constant competition and evolving audience expectations.
