Rhea Ripley: Women’s Division Still Fighting for Respect Despite Major Progress

One Big Thing

WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley identifies being “taken for granted” as the biggest hurdle facing women’s wrestling, even as the division reaches new heights with the introduction of the Women’s United States Championship.

Why It Matters

The women’s evolution in WWE has transformed from being considered a “bathroom break” to main-eventing premium live events, but the struggle for equal recognition continues. This candid discussion from one of WWE’s top stars highlights the ongoing challenges in women’s wrestling.

By The Numbers

• WWE now features 3 women’s championships on the main roster
• Women have main-evented WrestleMania twice since 2019
• The women’s division now receives comparable TV time to men’s segments

Key Details

• Ripley spoke to Jazzy’s World TV about the division’s progress
• Comments come as WWE introduces the Women’s United States Championship
• Currently sidelined with a broken orbital bone
• Last appeared on October 29 NXT following an attack angle

Direct Quote

“For the longest time, people joked about us being the toilet break, which is just plain and disrespectful, especially when the women go out there and we leave everything that we have out in the ring, and we go just as hard as the men do,” Ripley stated.

Looking Ahead

Ripley’s injury timeout comes at a crucial time for WWE’s women’s division, with new championship opportunities emerging and storylines evolving. Her return will likely impact the direction of both RAW and the Judgment Day faction.

What do you think about Rhea’s comments regarding women’s wrestling being taken for granted? Have you noticed a significant change in how women’s matches are presented in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.