Top NXT Star Given Secret WWE Main Roster Call-Up?

Former NXT Champion said for Royal Rumble bow after secret main roster call-up?

by Andy H Murray
Rhea Ripley silhouette
WWE

If you’re wondering where Rhea Ripley has been since losing her crazy Last Woman Standing match with Raquel Gonzalez at NXT Yew Year’s Evil earlier in the month, the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer appears to have the answer.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer said that Ripley is “already on the main roster” and was originally going to debut on WWE Raw or SmackDown a few weeks ago, but it was put off for a couple of weeks. Apparently, that “couple of weeks” is now.

A popular fan pick for this year’s women’s Royal Rumble, Sunday’s over-the-top-rope battle royal would be a good place to bring ‘The Nightmare’ up. The 24-year-old has previously only guested on the main roster, most notably in the Survivor Series 2019 cycle and on the road to facing Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36, with her last (and only) Rumble appearance going down in 2019.

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PWInsider reported earlier in January that Ripley’s loss to Gonzalez was considered her NXT write-out, and that she would be moving onto the main roster before long. Now, it looks like we’ll be seeing the former NXT Women’s Champion imminently.

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.