Rhea Ripley is one of the most popular women in WWE history who garners attention both in and out of the ring. Earlier this year, Ripley’s in-ring work sparked a debate about women in wrestling and now the Eradicator has weighed in.
At a March 2024 WWE live event in Springfield, Illinois, Ripley used a stinkface on Nia Jax in a spot that went viral once it hit social media. The following night, Shayna Baszler, who has dated both men and women in the past, pleaded to get up close and personal with Ripley’s posterior.
While many found the spot fun, there were some critics, including Becky Lynch who felt the spot was a step backwards for women in wrestling. Speaking to Ring the Belle, Ripley had some strong words for her critics.
“I get criticism for every single little thing I do, but, you see the men doing this and you’re like ‘yeah! that looks cool! amazing’. Tiffany Stratton does this the other week and they’re like ‘oh my god I love you Tiffany, oh, my, god, you’re so sexy please do that to me’, but when I do it there’s a problem? Why? You just mad that I’m popular that’s why.”
Some may have been opposed to Rhea using the Stinkface but ultimately, what she does in the ring is her choice and has proven popular with countless fans so far. Ripley currently has her sights set on the WWE Women’s World Championship and plans on taking the title from her rival Liv Morgan.