WWE’s fierce and dominant Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley, is no stranger to controversy. Known for her intimidating presence and aggressive in-ring style, the Australian powerhouse now finds herself in the spotlight for reasons beyond championship gold. Ahead of her anticipated Street Fight at WWE Night of Champions, Ripley was called out for being a "bully" by none other than WWE color commentator and former Intercontinental Champion, Wade Barrett.
“Rhea Ripley physically bullies all of her opponents”
During WWE’s Countdown to Night of Champions, Wade Barrett didn't mince words as he analyzed Ripley’s wrestling style.
“My belief is Rhea Ripley is a bully. And I don’t mean that as an insult. She’s a bully in-ring. She physically bullies all of her opponents,” Barrett said bluntly.
His comments highlighted Ripley’s dominant performances and how she often overpowers her rivals through sheer brute force.
However, Barrett was quick to emphasize that things might not go so easily for The Eradicator this time around. “The one issue with Raquel is that Rhea Ripley simply cannot [bully her] because Raquel is bigger, Raquel is stronger, and I believe Raquel Rodriguez is tougher than Rhea Ripley,” he noted, setting the stage for a battle of equals.
A personal feud rooted in NXT
The rivalry between Ripley and Raquel isn't just a new main-roster storyline—it’s rooted deeply in their shared history from NXT. The two were once close friends, rising through the ranks together. But according to Ripley, that friendship turned sour when Rodriguez allegedly turned on her during Ripley’s ascent in the developmental brand.
“Raquel Rodriguez kicked me out of NXT,” Rhea Ripley said in a fiery interview segment. “So I did the same to her on the main roster. Now we’re tied.” With both women holding past victories over the other, Ripley emphasized that the upcoming match would serve as a decisive tiebreaker.
“I’m going to smash her face in”: Raquel Rodriguez
If fans were expecting Ripley to back down or offer a softer side, she made it clear that won’t be happening. Hyping up the Street Fight showdown, Ripley issued a chilling promise:
“I’m going to smash her face in.”
Tonight’s encounter isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s personal. With both women having something to prove, WWE’s Night of Champions could very well see a turning point in their long-running feud. Will Rhea Ripley maintain her dominant reputation, or will Raquel Rodriguez finally put the so-called bully in her place?