In Only Six Words, Rhea Ripley Explains Why She and Charlotte Flair Did Not Headline WrestleMania 39

Earlier this month, the WWE hosted its 39th edition of WrestleMania, pro-wrestling’s biggest event. The marquee PLE took place at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and was later declared the most successful till date. However, not everyone was happy with what transpired at ‘The Showcase of the Immortals’. According to a legend, WWE ditched tradition as they slotted a tag team match ahead of a singles title match that involved a Royal Rumble winner.

Now, Rhea Ripley, the aforementioned Rumble winner, explained why the promotion chose Sami Zayn–Kevin Owens vs. The Usos over herself and Charlotte Flair.

Rhea Ripley keeps it short and honest as possible reason to miss out ‘Mania top spot

Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair’s match was one of the most talked about performances from this year’s WrestleMania. However, it didn’t come as a surprise either. The two stars have always enthralled the spectators with electrifying displays during their encounters. Despite the guaranteed outcome, Triple H and the WWE creative banked on the tag team match to be the main event on night one.

Speaking to WWE After The Bell podcast, the 26-year-old Aussie said, “It’s epic and coming out of that match, I did feel like we stole the show. I feel like we went out there and left everything we had in that ring and that’s why we proved to everyone exactly why we should have been the main event spot.”

However, Ripley also pointed at the possible reason that may have tipped the scales in favor of the other match. The SmackDown Women’s Champion said, “Yes, we didn’t have a good build like Sami and Owens and The Usos did,” before adding that, notwithstanding that reason, Charlotte and she put on a grand display.

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Earlier this month, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair voiced his grievances at the WWE for snubbing her daughter, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley as the headliners on night one of WrestleMania 39.

Ric Flair questions WWE for breaking WrestleMania tradition

WWE’s decision for tinkering with a WrestleMania tradition miffed Ric Flair and he voiced his anger publicly.

The 16x World Champion discussed the issue during an appearance on his ‘To Be the Man’ podcast. “We’re talking about a singles championship from a girl that won the Royal Rumble. Are we just breaking tradition, for what? Why are we breaking tradition for one night?” Flair asked.

Interestingly, Charlotte Flair had the same thought, albeit before WWE disclosed the WrestleMania schedule. The 14x World Champion had expressed hope that her match would be the main event match, as her opponent was a Royal Rumble winner.

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Unfortunately for her, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens’ camaraderie proved to be too overwhelming for the WWE to think otherwise. In the end, the tag team match proved to be equally entertaining, validating the WWE’s booking.