WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley has emerged as a dominant force in the wrestling world, solidifying her reputation by conquering formidable opponents, including her victory over Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Her ascent to the top echelons of WWE coincided with her affiliation with the Judgement Day faction.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Ripley delved deeper into her journey from Rhea Ripley to Mami and acknowledged the pivotal role played by a WWE Hall of Famer in shaping her career and unlocking hidden facets of her personality. She also revealed that this male superstar was instrumental in her decision to pursue a career in professional wrestling.
Rhea Ripley’s Tribute to Two-Time Royal Rumble Winner Edge
In a surprising twist of fate, Rhea Ripley found herself assisting the four-time WWE Champion, Edge, in securing a victory over AJ Styles at WWE Backlash on May 7th. This unexpected alliance not only bolstered the Judgement Day faction but also had a profound impact on Ripley herself.
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During the interview, Ripley expressed her admiration for Edge, whose real name is Adam Copeland, dating back to her childhood. She explained how his involvement in her career had unearthed a different side of Rhea Ripley that she had concealed when transitioning to the main roster. She admitted, “He really brought out this different side of Rhea Ripley that I had hidden, going up to the main roster. I was very, very scared with the new environment.”
Overcoming Challenges and Rediscovering Confidence
Rhea Ripley faced challenges while adapting her NXT success to the main roster. Despite the significant push she received, she grappled with certain reservations. However, her association with the Judgement Day faction and the mentorship of her childhood idol, Edge, transformed her into a more confident and authentic performer.
Reflecting on this transformation, Ripley shared, “So I ended up changing in ways that I didn’t like, and he helped me get back to my old ways of just not caring and being myself and going out there and being confident within myself. And he made me feel comfortable.”
Edge’s Retirement: A Heartfelt Impact
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Edge’s sudden retirement due to a neck injury deeply affected Rhea Ripley, who, like countless fans, was emotionally shaken by the heartbreaking announcement. At that moment, it seemed unlikely that they would ever witness Edge’s return to the wrestling ring.
The Unexpected Return and Collaborations
However, Edge’s unexpected return at the 2020 Royal Rumble brought a twist of fate for both WWE and Ripley. Her inclusion in the Judgement Day faction, led by Edge, provided her with a golden opportunity to collaborate with her lifelong idol.
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Beth Phoenix’s Potential Showdown with Rhea Ripley
While Ripley shared a memorable segment with Edge, where she had to oust him from the faction he created, it culminated in a mixed tag team match pitting Finn Balor and Ripley against Edge and Beth Phoenix at Elimination Chamber. Fans viewed Beth Phoenix as the ideal opponent for Ripley, given their shared history of dominating the WWE roster with sheer power and force.
