Rhea Ripley is considered one of the greatest female stars of the modern era. She just made her main roster debut five years ago but has already won multiple world titles. Wrestling fans all around the world have praised her talent and passion to go in the ring with some of the best in the business. Not only fans but also veteran commentator Michael Cole lauded her during the SummerSlam Kickoff event.
Cole welcomed Mami on the stage and praised her. The veteran commentator admitted that someone rising to stardom as fast as Ripley did was rare. In her short main roster career, she has already won the Women’s World Championship twice. Not only that, The Eradicator even won the Royal Rumble in 2023 from the number 1 position.
During the event, Ripley talked about how the SummerSlam PLE hadn’t been good for her. Last year at this event, Mami failed to win back her Women’s World Title from Liv Morgan. However, she didn’t just lose the title but lost her partner in crime, Dominik Mysterio as well, who betrayed her with Morgan. This time, Ripley vowed to steal the spotlight at SummerSlam by becoming the world champion once again.
“In my 28 years with this company, I have never seen someone take off, shoot to the moon like this woman has over the past couple of years.”
Michael Cole to Rhea Ripley at the SummerSlam Kickoff Event
Recently, Ripley lost a chance to win the Queen of the Ring tournament. The former Judgment Day member wrestled in a Fatal 4-Way match against Morgan, Roxanne Perez, and Kairi Sane. Unfortunately, as it looked like she was going to win, one half of the Women’s Tag Champions, Raquel Rodriguez, attacked her. Perez took advantage of the chaos and pinned Daddio to progress. As of now, Ripley’s future looks uncertain, but she will aim to win back the world title.
Fans Have Mixed Reactions on Michael Cole’s Comments About Rhea Ripley
Michael Cole’s comments about Rhea Ripley didn’t sit well with hardcore wrestling fans. While some fans agreed with him and hailed Mami as one of the all-time greats, others disagreed and named many other female superstars who changed the game.
One fan stated that Cole was just talking senselessly. Another fan agreed with him and said the Raw commentator was trying to fit WWE’s narrative to push Ripley more and more. Some fans claimed that The Eradicator was way overhyped and other stars were better than her. Here are some of the top reactions from fans:
Many fans named Becky Lynch, who was one of the most organically over female stars around 2018. While one user claimed Lita was the greatest women’s wrestler ever, another user remembered Chyna‘s legacy in WWE. Some fans even said that Ripley wasn’t at her best since leaving The Judgment Day. Many fans were angry over the fact that WWE was disrespecting their legends to push today’s stars.