
When live television goes wrong in WWE, there’s nowhere to hide. Rhea Ripley learned this lesson firsthand when what should have been a routine Money In The Bank qualifier became an anxiety-inducing test of her in-ring adaptability. The Judgment Day powerhouse recently pulled back the curtain on the mental pressure wrestlers face when plans crumble in real-time.
When Plans Fall Apart on Monday Night Raw
The scheduled triple threat between Ripley, Zoey Stark, and Kairi Sane for a coveted Money In The Bank ladder match spot seemed straightforward enough. But professional wrestling has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. Stark’s devastating knee injury during the contest forced WWE officials to make a split-second decision that would test two of their top performers.
With Stark immediately removed from the match due to her injury, Ripley and Sane found themselves in uncharted territory. The triple threat dynamic they had prepared for vanished, leaving them to improvise a singles encounter with millions watching live on USA Network.
The Unexpected Challenge of Adapting Mid-Match
Speaking candidly on Chris Van Vliet’s “Insight” podcast, Ripley revealed the immense pressure she felt during those crucial moments. The situation became even more complex when considering the circumstances surrounding her opponent.
“It’s such a stressful thing going out there and being on live television where anything could really happen. We’ve seen injuries happen, Zoey Stark, she got injured and Kairi [Sane] and I had to go out there and have a singles match when we were supposed to have a Triple Threat, and it was Kairi’s first match back within months … and I haven’t wrestled Kairi since an ‘NXT’ house show.”
The timing couldn’t have been more challenging. Sane was returning from an extended absence, while Ripley’s last encounter with the former NXT Women’s Champion dated back to their developmental days in front of much smaller house show crowds.
The Weight of Live Television Responsibility
Ripley’s comments highlight a reality that wrestling fans rarely consider: when things go sideways during a live broadcast, the performers in the ring bear the full responsibility for making it work. There’s no director to call “cut,” no second takes, and no room for excuses.
“So it’s like, okay, how do we do this on live television? If we stuff up, no one’s getting blamed but us. They’re not gonna blame anyone else. We’re the two in there and we’re the two going at it on live television, we gotta put this stuff together.”
This raw honesty from Ripley showcases the mental fortitude required to succeed at WWE’s highest level. The ability to think on your feet while maintaining character and delivering quality entertainment separates good wrestlers from great ones.
Breaking Down Mental Health Barriers in Wrestling
Perhaps most importantly, Ripley used this platform to address her ongoing struggles with performance anxiety. The former Women’s World Champion revealed that panic attacks have been part of her WWE journey, demonstrating remarkable courage in discussing mental health openly.
Her willingness to share these personal challenges serves a greater purpose beyond just telling her story. By speaking openly about anxiety and panic attacks, Ripley creates space for other performers and fans to acknowledge their own mental health struggles without shame.
Wrestling’s culture has historically discouraged showing vulnerability, but stars like Ripley are changing that narrative one honest interview at a time.
The Art of Professional Wrestling Adaptation
Despite the pressure and unexpected circumstances, Ripley successfully navigated the challenge and secured the victory that night. Her ability to adapt under pressure while supporting a returning colleague demonstrates why she’s considered one of WWE’s most reliable main event talents.
The incident also highlighted Sane’s professionalism, as the Pirate Princess seamlessly adjusted to the format change despite being in her first match back after months away from the ring. Both women proved that elite-level wrestlers can deliver quality entertainment even when everything goes wrong.
Ripley’s candid discussion about that chaotic Monday Night Raw reminds us that behind the larger-than-life characters and scripted storylines, real human beings are putting their bodies and reputations on the line every single week. As WWE continues to evolve its approach to performer wellness, will more superstars follow Ripley’s lead in opening up about the mental challenges that come with sports entertainment’s biggest stage?
