18 Ups & 15 Downs For WWE In 2023

13. Rhea’s Disappointing Reign

Rhea Ripley has become an incredible character and face of the women’s division on Raw in 2023. She’s the unnamed – yet unquestioned – leader of the Judgment Day. Her title match at WrestleMania 39 with Charlotte Flair was absolutely tremendous.

And yet, her eight-month title reign has to be defined as nothing short of a disappointment. Since winning the title, Ripley has defeated the likes of Zelina Vega, Natalya (twice), Raquel Rodriguez (twice), and Zoey Stark.

But none of those feuds really qualify as good rivalries. Nattie was basically cannon fodder. Vega was a huge sentimental favorite because Backlash took place in Puerto Rico, but she wasn’t a serious threat. Even the feud with Rodriguez should have felt much bigger than it was, but instead was a dud.

Rhea is undeniably a huge star and gives the Women’s World Championship a lift in stature, but someone who has been such a central figure on Raw should have more memorable title matches and moments than she has had.

It’s important to separate Ripley’s solid overall year from her disappointing title reign, which is probably the one thing dragging her down from having one of the best years in the company.