2 WWE Stars Draw Huge Backstage Praise

A couple of WWE stars have come in for major behind the scenes praise this week.

By Andy H Murray /

WWE.com

Rhea Ripley and Natalya's match from this week's episode of WWE Raw has drawn rave reviews from wrestling critics and people behind the scenes alike.

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Fightful Select reports that people backstage in WWE were impressed with Ripley vs. Natalya. Company higher-ups are understood to be "very happy with the gritty nature" of the contest, with one recommending it be the first thing the outlet watch after travelling back to the United States following Money in the Bank 2023 (held in London, England).

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Ripley and Natalya took "a real beating" during the contest, which was elevated by stiff, hard-hitting strikes. Both competitors were very happy, not only with how the clash came out, but the reception as well.

Even though Rhea had her mouth busted open in this Women's World Championship defence, she and Natalya told others that they had a lot of fun - and management was as delighted as the wrestlers.

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Rhea has technically been Women's World Champion since dethroning SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 (1 April). This was the second time she and Natalya have tied up in 2023, with the first outing being a one-minute squash at 27 May's Night of Champions show.