“I was on the chopping block,” Rhea Ripley reveals she was nearly fired from WWE before reverting to her current persona

Rhea Ripley has very quickly become one of the top talents in WWE's women's division.

“I was on the chopping block,” Rhea Ripley reveals she was nearly fired from WWE before reverting to her current persona

Rhea Ripley in her interview and her older-self (via @GenerationofSky/'X')

Being one of the most beloved superstars in WWE at this point, it is hard to believe that Rhea Ripley was once on the brink of getting fired from WWE. The year was 2017 when the Nightmare stepped foot in WWE through the inaugural Mae Young Classic Tournament. Her generic look blended her well and at the same time, made her vulnerable to getting “chopped off.“

This incident was recalled by Ripley in her conversation with Cameron Hawkins for The Ringer. Ripley recalled how the locker room was filled with women who complied with the basic aesthetics for female wrestlers at that point. With the current Women’s Heavyweight Champion adhering to the same, she was seen as easily replaceable.

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While shedding light on the same, Ripley said,

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"I was on the chopping block. I nearly got fired a few times. I don’t know if they wanted me to know that, but I did know that. But after I had a little discussion with myself, I stopped caring about what they wanted from me.”
Rhea Ripley in her interview

It was that conversation with the self that would flip the switch in her. She gave up “the girl-next-door” traits and went for a more intimidating and unapologetic demeanor. Taking inspiration from the music bands that she enjoyed, she not only looked different but, walked a different path to prove herself.

Having already faced rejection numerous times, it was a bold decision from the Eradicator of the Judgment Day. Adding a genuine personality, to that bold look and a massive build, Ripley catapulted her career to newer heights. She became the first woman to win the Royal Rumble from first position. Her latest accolade of gracing the WWE 2K24 Deluxe Edition Cover has gained her massive laurels.

Rhea Ripley hits a massive milestone in WWE

Rhea Ripley has been on one of the most dominant runs in the history of WWE’s women’s division. Looking formidable and being nearly untouchable, the 27-year-old has been calling shots for the leading stable of Monday Night Raw. On the personal front, she has completed a massive milestone in her ongoing title reign.

Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley (via WWE)

Her reign as the inaugural Women’s Heavyweight Champion has reached the massive marker of 300 days! As Champion, she has defended her title against the likes of Natalya, Zoey Stark, Zelina Vega, and many others. Despite having a big target on her back, Mami has always emerged on top.

Her fans can be assured that she is not slated for a title defense at Royal Rumble 2024. However, Bayley, from Damage CTRL has set her eyes on the Women’s Heavyweight Title as she looks forward to winning the Royal Rumble Match. Fans are excited to see whether Bayley could make it to the Grandest-stage-of-them-all to dethrone the Nightmare.

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