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Since their WWE debut in August on RAW, RETRIBUTION has been at the receiving end of harsh criticism. From their actions to attire to their ring names, virtually everything about the group was met with skepticism by fans, experts, and industry veterans alike.
The identity of the stable's members was revealed on the 21st September episode of WWE RAW. Though it boasted of talented performers from NXT like Dominik Dijakovic, Mia Yim, Shane Thorne, and more, their work as part of the stable was deemed underwhelming.
Things turned slightly better for them when Mustafa Ali was revealed as the leader of the stable. The group found a sense of stability and direction during their feud with The Hurt Business. Since then, the stable is embroiled in a long-winded feud with Ricochet, whom they have repeatedly tried to recruit. In recent weeks, the faction has been feuding with The New Day.
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However, the stable still hasn't created the kind of impact the WWE was hoping they would. A few more big-name recruits can help the group legitimize themselves and find their way into the main event scene.
Here in this slideshow, we will look at five such Superstars who can help RETRIBUTION from getting lost in the shuffle. Do share your favorite picks in the comments section below.
#5 Aleister Black (WWE SmackDown)
Last seen on WWE programming back in October 2020, Aleister Black seems to have fallen out of favor since being drafted to SmackDown. One of the most talented and unique performers currently in WWE, the former NXT Champion has been grossly underutilized on the main roster. Since his wife Zelina Vega was released from WWE, things seem to have gotten worse for him. His request to be sent back to NXT was also denied.
However, if WWE has any plans to bring him back to TV, he could join RETRIBUTION, as his sensibilities as a character sits well with that of the stable. While the group relishes in causing destruction, they could be ably helped by Black's ability to play mind games with his opponents.
Yes, The Dutch Destroyer is currently on SmackDown, while RETRIBUTION is active on RAW. The group can still be expanded with members from the Blue brand, led by Black. It would allow the group to expand their grip in WWE while also giving other Superstars something of note to do.
#2 Ricochet (WWE RAW)
When Ricochet debuted on the WWE main roster, everyone had pegged him to be the next megastar. His high-flying offense and relatable character work made him likable and a fan-favorite among kids and family audiences. However, after a string of poor booking decisions and a lackluster US Championship reign that lasted only 21 days, he has found himself flailing.
A squash loss to Brock Lesnar only made it worse for Ricochet, and since then, he has struggled to maintain relevance in WWE. In the recent weeks, RETRIBUTION has been trying to luring him into joining them, though he has relented to turn towards the dark side. Now that he has failed to qualify for the Royal Rumble match after being defeated by AJ Styles, 'The One and Only' has nowhere to go except to join the stable.
The move won't only revitalize his career but also open up intriguing possibilities of him tagging with Ali to win tag gold. Apart from this, Ricochet can find himself contending for singles gold, with his stablemates on his side, which increases his chances of winning.
#3 Rhea Ripley (WWE NXT)
The only female member of RETRIBUTION in WWE as of now is Reckoning (Mia Yim). Though Mercedes Martinez was also a part of the stable in its early days, she withdrew from the group owing to creative dissatisfaction. On the other hand, Reckoning has done nothing of note since her debut on WWE RAW. She wrestled just a single bout, that too in a losing cause to Dana Brooke. RETRIBUTION needs a dominant female performer who can lead the group in the women's division.
In comes Rhea Ripley. Possibly the most 'over' Superstar in WWE NXT, Ripley has seemingly finished up her business on the Black and Gold brand after losing a Last Women Standing match against Raquel Gonzalez. Now that her main roster call-up is imminent, the former NXT Women's Champion can join RETRIBUTION and wreak havoc in the RAW women's division.
Ripley is an imposing performer and can be thrust into the RAW Women's Championship picture upon her debut. Apart from this, her presence in the group would bring them the much-needed credibility they need at this point.
#4 Karrion Kross (WWE NXT)
Karrion Kross is arguably the most dominant Superstar in WWE NXT today. His undefeated streak, terrifying demeanor, and sheer star presence have made him a force to be reckoned with in the Black and Gold brand. Though he's keen on gaining back the NXT Championship, a title he never lost, he seems ready to be promoted to the main roster. With Finn Balor having the best run of his career as champion, WWE should bring Kross to RAW, rather than let him stagnate in NXT for long.
If at all WWE promotes him, he could be the savior RETRIBUTION needs. His calm yet sinister body language can work wonders for the group, with Ali doing the verbal work while Kross wreaks havoc. The two can believably take over WWE RAW and bring the group the kind of respect it has aimed to receive since its inception.
Most importantly, the two can eventually get into a feud over the complete control of the stable, which will result in some dynamic clashes between the two performers who have starkly different styles of wrestling.
#5 CM Punk (WWE, 2005-2014)
Yes, this entry may come across as wishful thinking than something that could logically happen in the current WWE landscape. CM Punk is possibly the only star who can instantly make RETRIBUTION the most talked-about stable in wrestling. The five-time WWE Champion has a history of leading successful stables, as he led Straight Edge Society and the second incarnation of Nexus.
Since departing WWE in 2014, Punk has made his intentions of not returning to wrestling time and again. However, fans are clamoring to see him back in action. Apart from this, Punk has been vocal on Twitter and has mentioned RETRIBUTION on more than one occasion.
Considering RETRIBUTION has been booked as an anti-authority stable, there's no one other than CM Punk who has portrayed such a character better than him the last decade or so. If Punk decides to return to WWE, which he honestly would someday, heading RETRIBUTION might be the best way to bring him back. Several possible feuds with the likes of Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles scream money.
