Rhea Ripley believes that success in WWE now requires a team effort. She contrasts this with past approaches where wrestlers focused solely on protecting their own positions.
The Shift Towards Collaboration
Ripley understands why a more individualistic approach existed previously, but believes it is no longer the most effective strategy. She told CBS Sports: “I feel we’ve gotten to a point within this industry where it is about working together.”
“Back in the day, I see why there were so many arguments, people not getting along and fights. Everyone was pretty much out there trying to succeed by themselves.
“In this business, you can’t really be super selfish. It’s a team effort. You have to go out there and work as a team.”
This collaborative mindset has been instrumental in her rise to the top of WWE.
Ripley’s Philosophy of Elevation
Ripley believes in elevating her opponents. She argues that a strong opponent ultimately benefits her own success. “If you make your opponent look like a piece of shit and you lose to them, you lost to a piece of shit,” Ripley said. “If you beat them, congratulations, you beat a piece of shit. Well done.”
Ripley sees herself as a good example of this philosophy. “I’m always there to try and help the person I’m in the ring with. I try to vouch for them whenever I can.”
She added: “I’m able to get myself into this spotlight where I’m not looked at as one of, if not the top, woman in WWE. My job is to bring everyone else up because I’ll need some competitors that I need to step in the ring with, where it looks like a real fight.”
Making Giulia Look Good
Ripley’s approach was evident in her recent match with Giulia. Ripley wanted to ensure Giulia looked good in their match, hoping to create opportunities for her.
“She’s the champion, but she also hasn’t been given long matches on the main roster and that spotlight to show that she can really shine,” Ripley said. “I’m going to go out there, bust my ass, and make sure she looks good. Hopefully, that opens up opportunities.”
One moment from their match on February 20 generated significant discussion. Ripley took a stomp from Giulia that looked particularly brutal on replay. “It looked so brutal,” Ripley said. “Watching it back, I thought, ‘Oh! That looks good.'”
Ripley is always thinking about the future and who will rise with her. In her mind, it shouldn’t be lonely at the top.