10 Things We Learned From Rhea Ripley On Stephanie McMahon's WWE Show
5. Steve Austin Said She “Checks Every Box”
Michaels wasn’t the only company legend who heaped praise on Ripley during the episode.
Steph ran some footage of an interview she did with ’Stone Cold’. WWE icon and multi-time Hall Of Famer Steve Austin said Rhea “checks every box that you could want checked”, and remarked that she’s only going to get even better. He pointed out that people can feel an authenticity whenever Ripley is on screen, and that goes a long way with him. According to McMahon, Austin did this without being prompted.
He wasn't asked a question about Rhea off camera before the red lights went on. No, Steve simply went out of his way to spotlight Ripley as somebody who deserves every success coming her way, and then some. It's rather awesome that ESPN's own cams kept Rhea and Steph in frame as footage of Austin praising the former played on trons behind them.
That meant viewers tuning into Stephanie's Places got to see Ripley and McMahon's reactions in real-time as 'Stone Cold' cut his praise-filled promo. It's notable that Rhea looked almost overwhelmed as the leader of the vaunted 'Attitude Era' told the world just how good she is. Sitting across from her, Steph kept an eye on Ripley's expressions - she knew what the 'Rattlesnake' was going to say next.
Austin couldn't find any flaws in Rhea's performances. He loves her look, her mindset and admires how hard she's worked to achieve her dreams. WWE could do with showcasing a few more reactionary spots like this, because they show a humble side to stars that weekly TV often misses.