20 Times WWE Was An Absolute Mess In 2020

14. The Dismantling Of Rhea Ripley

Lana Bobby Lashley
WWE

An incredible late-2019 run established Rhea Ripley as one of the most believably badass wrestlers on WWE's roster and a unique force in the NXT women's division, setting her up for an incredible, career-best 2020.

Unfortunately, WWE dropped a bollock as the clock struck midnight on 1 January. Transformed from a take-no-sh*t hardnut with fire, presence, and a backbone, Ripley turned into the dreaded Generic WWE Babyface Champion through her feud with Charlotte Flair. All smiles, she gave off strong "I'm just happy to be here!" vibes when she should have stayed an ass-kicker.

Losing to 'The Queen' at WrestleMania 36 was recoverable with the right booking. Instead, WWE had Ripley responded by literally crying on a locker-room floor. Weeks later, her aura still in tatters, Rhea took the pin in a Triple Threat with Charlotte and Io Shirai.

Now, 12 months after felling Shayna Baszler to become NXT Women's Champion, Ripley has never felt so irrelevant.

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.