16 Match Star Ratings For WWE WrestleMania 39
10. Charlotte Flair Vs. Rhea Ripley - SmackDown Women's Title Match
Charlotte Flair Vs. Rhea Ripley echoed the Undertaker Vs. Batista from WrestleMania 23. They weren't given the main event slot, and used the demotion to drive their motivation. They produced a WrestleMania classic out of spite. This was worked under similar circumstances and with a stylistic echo; the only difference is that it was better.
Amongst the most intense and physical matches in modern WWE history, the ultra-competitive tone that Rhea and Charlotte set was something special. Special is the best word to use here because it is rare when something like this unfolds, particularly on the broad stage that is WrestleMania and the desire to impress on it. This match was clearly worked with a sense of spite and defiance but it never remotely scanned like they trying too hard to steal the show. The match didn't feel like an obligatory checklist. Every brutal-looking face-first suplex, every throw from a dangerous angle, was sold as well as it was executed. It was broad - Rhea did wear the shocked kick-out face on occasion - but it was earned. It's a lot easier to buy the idea that a wrestler can't believe her efforts weren't quite enough when that effort is written all over an agonised face drenched with sweat.
This ruled.
It felt epic without feeling forced in any way, the atmosphere was incredible, and even the title belt looked so much more prestigious when Rhea grabbed it after the bell.
Star Rating: ★★★★½