Rhea Ripley Expresses Desire to Face Iconic Male WWE Wrestlers
The wrestling universe always appreciates the audacity to dream big. That seems to be the mantra Rhea Ripley, the reigning RAW Women’s Champion, goes by. With her recent statements, she’s certainly pushing the boundaries of expectations. Not only is she a champion in the ring, but she’s also known to challenge societal norms with her outspoken nature.
The world of WWE has, over the years, seen a handful of female superstars compete against their male counterparts. The legendary Chyna is one such example who often stands out. She famously took on several male WWE superstars and secured victories over them, paving the way for future generations. But, after Chyna, the WWE world had been somewhat deprived of a female character with the guts and talent to tackle male wrestlers. Ripley seems set on filling that void.
Having risen to dominate the women’s division in the last year and a half, Rhea has now set her eyes on broader horizons. Many were quick to assume that the 26-year-old would have Charlotte Flair or Beth Phoenix on her wishlist. But in a surprising twist, Ripley expressed her keen interest in locking horns with none other than Rey Mysterio, a Hall of Famer and an inspiration to many current superstars.
Ripley’s aspirations didn’t just stop at Rey Mysterio. In a recent talk show appearance, she broadened her list by naming two other prominent male figures in the WWE – Edge and Randy Orton. The desire to face these iconic figures is ambitious, but the underlining sentiment seems to be about pushing the boundaries of what’s considered ‘normal’ in the WWE.
One point that raised many eyebrows during the talk show was when Rhea playfully mentioned her wish for a romantic encounter with Edge and Randy Orton. The fearless champion even hoped that Randy, who has been away due to a severe back injury since May 2022, would come back soon, so she could “get an RKO” as she joked about her chronic interference in men’s business. Given the uncertainty surrounding Randy Orton’s return, her wish might be a distant dream. Still, it’s a testament to Ripley’s fearless persona that she would even playfully make such a statement.
It’s essential to note, though, that while Ripley has been dominating the women’s division, her interactions with male wrestlers have largely been outside sanctioned matches. On several occasions, she has stepped in to aid her fellow Judgment Day members, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Finn Balor, by intervening in their matches against male superstars. However, these sporadic interactions have rarely translated into Ripley facing men in official bouts.
Her most recent title defense against Raquel Rodriguez was a testament to her abilities. Many believed that Ripley might lose her championship during the intense bout. The sudden appearance of Nia Jax certainly swayed the outcome, though many argue that Rhea had the strength and determination to best Rodriguez even without this unforeseen intervention.
In conclusion, whether Rhea Ripley gets her wish to face the likes of Rey Mysterio, Edge, or Randy Orton remains to be seen. What’s undeniable, however, is that she’s brought a fresh perspective to the WWE, blurring the lines between male and female competitors and inspiring many to think beyond the conventional. Whatever the future holds for the RAW Women’s Champion, one thing is for sure – she’s poised to redefine the WWE landscape in the years to come.
