The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to dramatic returns and shocking moments, and one such instance occurred on the September 11 episode of WWE’s RAW. Nia Jax, a powerhouse in the women’s division, made an unexpected and impactful comeback that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Her return, however, has not been without controversy, as it raised questions about the safety of smaller competitors if they were to experience a similar high-impact maneuver.
The dramatic sequence unfolded just moments after Rhea Ripley had successfully defended her Women’s World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez, thanks in part to Jax’s assistance. With the crowd’s anticipation building, Nia Jax, often referred to as “The Irresistible Force,” executed a second-rope Bonzai Drop on the reigning champion, Rhea Ripley. This move, known for its punishing force, left fans in awe of Jax’s strength and dominance. The Bonzai Drop has been a signature move of larger competitors in the wrestling world, and Jax’s execution certainly added an electrifying moment to her return.
However, the impact of this maneuver not only garnered reactions from fans but also raised concerns about the safety of wrestlers of smaller stature should they be subjected to a similar move. The wrestling community and fans alike have been engaged in passionate discussions regarding the balance between spectacle and safety in professional wrestling.
In this ongoing debate, Dutch Mantell, a legendary wrestling booker and manager, shared his perspective. On his show, he acknowledged the concerns surrounding Nia Jax’s in-ring style and its potential to cause harm to her opponents. Mantell commented,
- Advertisement -
“She has so much talk about her hurting people,” Mantell said. “She did that sit-down on Rhea. Now, she can do it on Rhea – Rhea’s a pretty big girl – but some of those other girls, I think she’d crush them because she moves pretty well, but I don’t know if she could control that weight.”
His analysis added a thought-provoking layer to the ongoing conversation about in-ring safety and the responsibilities of larger competitors.
Nia Jax, who was a prominent figure in WWE from 2014 to 2021, developed a reputation for her physical in-ring style during her time with the company. Notably, in 2018, she was involved in a significant incident that led to a change in WWE’s creative plans when she accidentally broke Becky Lynch’s nose and caused a concussion just six days before Survivor Series, altering the course of the event.
As the wrestling world continues to discuss the impact of Nia Jax’s return and her in-ring style, the concerns about the safety of smaller competitors facing her remain at the forefront. The delicate balance between athleticism, control, and ensuring the well-being of all WWE Superstars remains a central point of discussion, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the professional wrestling world.
The controversy surrounding Nia Jax’s return adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing conversation about safety and spectacle in the world of professional wrestling, making it a topic that resonates with fans and industry insiders alike.
