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Rhea Ripley dethroned Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WWE WrestleMania 39. The Eradicator was drafted to RAW alongside the rest of The Judgment Day as part of the 2023 Draft. Having said that, her booking as the top women’s champion has been lackluster so far.
Rhea Ripley’s only major title defense after WrestleMania 39 transpired at WWE Backlash this past Saturday. The Judgment Day member defeated Zelina Vega at the May 6th Premium Live Event in Puerto Rico. She then had a stare-down with Natalya on the latest episode of WWE RAW.
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Rhea Ripley is yet to feud with a credible opponent for the title. Her booking, if compared to the RAW Women's Champion Bianca Belair, has been underwhelming so far. The EST had successful title defenses against the likes of Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Asuka, and Bayley.
Though WWE did tease a potential showdown between Rhea and Bianca, the promotion has yet to put the two against each other inside the squared circle. Belair was drafted to SmackDown on Night 1 of Draft 2023.
Bianca Belair also successfully defended her title against Damage CTRL member IYO SKY at WWE Backlash. The RAW Women’s Champion got a polarizing reaction from the crowd that reminded fans of the reception John Cena received at ECW One Night Stand in 2006.
Rhea Ripley defeats Dana Brooke on WWE RAW
Dana Brooke made her in-ring return to WWE RAW this week in hopes of proving herself against the SmackDown Women’s Champion. The former 24/7 Champion, however, got squashed by Rhea in a matter of minutes.
After the match, Rhea grabbed Dana’s leg for her signature Cloverleaf-style submission and didn’t let go until Natalya arrived. The Queen of Hearts entered the ring to have a staring contest with the champion, possibly building towards a match-up in the future.
It remains to be seen what Triple H has in store for Rhea Ripley’s title reign.
What’s your take on this story? Let us know in the comments below!
