Why Rhea Ripley's Women's Championship Run So Far Has Been Oddly Disappointing
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In WWE, championship reigns are meant to be transformative periods for the titleholders, filled with memorable moments, epic battles, and a sense of greatness. When Rhea Ripley emerged victorious in one of the best matches at WrestleMania 39 to claim the women's world championship, the expectations were sky-high. Fans were eager to witness a reign that would solidify her as one of the top stars in WWE, commanding attention and leaving a lasting impact. However, as time has passed, it has become apparent that Rhea Ripley's championship run has been strangely lackluster, leaving fans with a sense of disappointment and missed opportunities.
Rhea Ripley's World Title Reign Has Failed To Live Up To The Hype So Far
One of the most glaring issues with Rhea Ripley's championship reign is the lack of significant defenses in big-time matches. Since winning the title, she has mostly engaged in one-off matches with little to no build-up or compelling storylines. This not only devalues the prestige of the championship but also fails to provide fans with the exciting, high-stakes encounters they expect from a women's world champion. It is disheartening to witness Ripley's potential wasted on underwhelming matches that do not showcase her abilities to their fullest extent.
When Rhea Ripley was presented with the new women's world championship, a moment that should have been filled with anticipation and fanfare, it fell surprisingly flat. The transition from her SmackDown Women's Championship to the new title lacked the hype and significance it deserved. This lackluster presentation failed to create a sense of excitement around the new championship and did little to elevate Ripley's reign as the titleholder.
RELATED: The Hilarious Connection Between Rhea Ripley & The Mysterio Family, Explained
Rhea Ripley's Romance With Dominik Mysterio
One of the perplexing aspects of Rhea Ripley's championship reign has been the unusual emphasis on her romance with Dominik Mysterio. While it's not uncommon for wrestlers to have romantic storylines, what stands out in Ripley's case is the disproportionate attention given to her relationship rather than her own singles feuds. Instead of being the central figure in her own narrative, Ripley has found herself entangled in the personal affairs and rivalries of Dominik Mysterio. This diversion of focus not only detracts from Ripley's individual journey as a champion but also diminishes her presence in the women's division.
Moreover, the overemphasis on Ripley's involvement in Mysterio's feuds most recently with Cody Rhodes has resulted in a lack of compelling storylines and rivalries of her own. While she is undeniably talented and is featured throughout WWE's shows, her potential to engage in captivating feuds and showcase her abilities has been overshadowed. As a result, Ripley's reign has become entangled in the narratives of others, failing to establish her as a dominant force in the women's division and depriving fans of the captivating rivalries they were expecting. To rectify this issue, WWE should refocus the spotlight on Rhea Ripley as an individual competitor and champion. By providing her with compelling storylines and feuds that highlight her strengths, WWE can reestablish Ripley as a powerful force in the women's division and reignite the excitement surrounding her title reign.
RELATED: Is Dominik Mysterio Actually Helping Rhea Ripley On WWE Raw?
Becky Lynch Called Out Rhea Ripley On Raw
A recent confrontation between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch on RAW further added to the sense of disappointment surrounding Ripley's championship reign. During the exchange, Lynch took the opportunity to mock Ripley by highlighting the stark contrast between their respective reigns. Lynch proudly proclaimed that when she was the champion, she consistently defended her title in the main event of every show. In contrast, Ripley has seemingly become a main event sidepiece, with her presence overshadowed by other rivalries and storylines. Lynch's comments not only cast doubts on Ripley's reign but also raise valid concerns about how she has been positioned and presented as the women's world champion. The comparison serves to emphasize the disparity in the way both champions have been treated and the level of importance placed on their title defenses.
The role of a champion goes beyond merely holding the title. It involves being the face of the women's division, the standard-bearer, and a draw for fans. There's no doubt that Rhea is a big draw, but she's not doing anything to help the women's division. Ripley's relegation to a secondary position in the main event hierarchy undermines her credibility as a champion and dilutes the significance of her title defenses. It also diminishes the potential for captivating main events that can elevate the entire women's division. While Rhea Ripley's romance with Dominik Mysterio may be garnering her more TV time and generating viral moments on social media, the overarching concern lies in the impact it has on the prestige and importance of the championship she carries as it gets overlooked. At the end of the day, the primary objective of a champion should be to elevate the championship itself and solidify its status as the ultimate prize in the women's division.
