3 Reasons Why Rhea Ripley Is WWE’s Female Roman Reigns

Earlier this year, there was a buzz surrounding Roman Reigns’ title run as a section of the WWE Universe was convinced that it was going to cease. The probable successor, according to many, was also chosen. Cody Rhodes was going to be ‘the guy’ to stop Roman Reigns’ run at WrestleMania 39. In reality, Rhodes did put up a fight, but it just wasn’t enough to derail the juggernaut. Reigns, by the way, still holds the belt and sits pretty with a reign spanning 1,000-plus days.

He has, however, followed a pattern that has brought him success. Recently, the same is seen in Rhea Ripley, the Women’s World Champion. Is the WWE prepping the Aussie to have a Reigns-esque run?

Similarities in Roman Reigns and Rhea Ripley’s title run

While there’s no doubt that Reigns has been the most dominating WWE champion in the new millennium – at least as per the numbers – his run hasn’t been devoid of criticisms. One of his detractors’ go-to complaints is Reigns’ lack of title defenses. He has been accused of choosing his opponents carefully and sparingly. While this has ensured a massive title run, it has also left many wrestlers and wrestling fans unhappy.

Ripley is following a similar path. Ever since winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Charlotte Flair on night one at the SoFi Stadium on August 1, the champion has had less than six defenses.

The belt was renamed as the Women’s World Champion on the June 12 episode of RAW. Before that, Ripley had two defenses (SmackDown Women’s Championship) at Backlash and Night of Champions. In her first reign as the Women’s World Champion, Ripley has defended her belt thrice – the July 3 episode of RAW, Payback, and the September 11 episode of RAW.

Her first defense was against Zelina Vega, and the last four have been against Natalya and Raquel Rodriguez, respectively. So, a title defense spread across just three opponents. Sounds a lot like Roman Reigns.

The other factor to look out for is Ripley’s character arc. Like The Big Dog, The Eradicator looks unbeatable at the moment. In fact, she squashed Natalya within 70 seconds at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on May 27. Though she looked a little helpless against the equally big Raquel Rodriguez, the Australian pro wrestler was able to pick up the win and defend her belt.

In addition to this, she hasn’t lost any singles matches this year.

How many matches has Rhea Ripley lost this year?

It is only pertinent to look at Ripley’s record if we’re to establish her run. No surprises there! She hasn’t lost many. But how many did she lose and what is her win percentage in 2023 so far?

Read More: “I Was Very Very Frantic”: Rhea Ripley Recalls Her Roller Coaster of Emotions Before Humbling Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39

Across house shows, live TV events, and PLEs, Rhea Ripley has taken part in 45 matches so far. These include mixed matches, tag matches, and singles bouts. She has lost only twice. On the August 22, 2023, episode of NXT, Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria defeated Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Meanwhile, her first defeat came at WWE Elimination Chamber on February 18, 2023.

Beth Phoenix and Edge were able to humble Ripley and Damian Priest. Apart from that, Mami has won all for an impressive 95.55% win streak.

The markings are visible, but will WWE make another formidable champion? That is an answer that the future holds. For now, fans will eagerly wait for the October 16 episode of RAW, where Ripley is set to make an appearance.

What do you think WWE’s plans are for Ripley?

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