10 Wrestlers We're Most Thankful For In 2019

5. Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley
WWE.com

Another NXT star to break out over Survivor Series weekend, Rhea Ripley looked like a beast on both nights.

Her TakeOver: WarGames III team was given a huge disadvantage as Dakota Kai attacked Tegan Nox before entering the bout, thus removing both from proceedings. It was four-on-two, with Ripley and Candice LeRae charged with taking down Shayna Baszler's group of killers, but take them down they did, with Rhea scoring the decisive pinfall on the reigning NXT Women's Champion in an awesome, story-driven bout.

Then, at Survivor Series, Ripley went one step further, leading NXT's combined force to triumph over Raw and SmackDown. She was aided by LeRae and Io Shirai returning from their dubious "injuries," of course, but she still pinned a multi-time main roster champion in Sasha Banks to secure the black and gold brand's triumph. That's what the history books will show.

It's clear that WWE want to make her a star and after pinning Baszler at WarGames, Ripley could be the one to take the NXT Women's Title. She's one of the few people believably bad*ss enough to do so and with the NXT women's roster so stacked, it speaks volumes that Ripley has been able to stand out.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.