Rhea Ripley is once again at the pinnacle of women's wrestling after securing the WWE Women’s World Championship during the highly anticipated debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix. Ripley faced Liv Morgan on January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in California, turning what many hoped would be an epic encounter for the title.
Throughout the match, Morgan showcased her resilience and determination, pulling out all the stops to try to retain her championship. She came close to victory with her patented frog splash but Ripley managed to narrowly escape the pinfall. What followed was classic Ripley; she unleashed her fierce strength, countering Morgan's attempts with her spectacular finisher, the Riptide, to eventually secure the win.
The bout marked the culmination of their long-standing rivalry, which has seen both competitors have their fair share of victories and setbacks over the last two years. After Ripley won the title last at WrestleMania 39, she held it for 379 days until injuries and circumstances forced her to relinquish the championship. Morgan's reign began after she bested Becky Lynch, marking her own triumphant title run of 226 days.
Ripley's victory was not without drama, as “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, who had aligned himself with Morgan earlier, tried to interfere. After the conclusion of the match, he approached Ripley under the guise of reconciliation but was met with surprise. Instead of accepting his hug, Ripley executed a low-blow kick and leveled him with another Riptide, signaling her authority and strength.
Adding to the excitement, the iconic Undertaker made his entrance just moments later, riding his motorcycle and embracing Ripley’s triumph. This momentous occasion was celebrated with pyro and cheers, as the Undertaker’s presence lent gravitas to Ripley's victory.
For Ripley, this championship win not only marks her as the WWE Women’s World Champion yet again, but it also reinstates her position as one of the top athletes within the wrestling world. Post-match, Ripley expressed her mixed feelings about the past with Mysterio, and her dominating performance sends thunderous signals to the rest of the women’s roster, hinting at what lies beneath the surface of the WWE storyline.
The road to this title match has been tumultuous, having seen fluctuated powers and alliances. Just last year, Ripley suffered through debilitating injuries attributed to Morgan, which caused her to vacate the championship and set off the rivalry. Morgan took advantage of Ripley’s absence and restructured her entire persona, garnering support from Raquel Rodriguez, her former tag team partner, and now ally.
Fans watched closely during Ripley's path to regaining the title, as her ascent back from injury showcased her determination and resilience. Every step leading up to this championship was underscored by heated encounters with Morgan and Rodriguez, drawing the viewer's attention to their enmity spilling across broader WWE events.
Ripley’s relentless performance is reminiscent of the twists and turns of their storyline. Dominik's betrayal and subsequent attempts to reconcile with Ripley after the match brought back memories of tumultuous relationships within the wrestling universe, drawing eye rolls and cheers from the audience.
This victory has reignited discussions among wrestling enthusiasts about potential challengers for Ripley’s newly reclaimed title. Who might step up to challenge “Mami” as she continues her reign? Fans speculate if Morgan might attempt to win back her title as early as Saturday Night's Main Event or even at the Royal Rumble. The passionate wrestling community now eagerly anticipates the next steps for both Ripley and Morgan as they navigate what could be another epic chapter.
Indeed, Rhea Ripley's reclaiming of the WWE Women’s World Championship brings forth new stories and rivalries brewing within the ring, ensuring wrestling remains as compelling and unpredictable as ever.