Bianca Belair has held the Raw Women’s Championship since defeating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38. Their rivalry had begun at SummerSlam in 2021, and continued until the summer spectacular in 2022.
During this period, Belair has become one of the biggest stars in WWE and a huge favourite. Meanwhile, her long-time rival Becky Lynch now appears to be entering a rivalry with Bayley after teaming with Belair to win inside WarGames at Survivor Series. This means that the EST is in need of a new challenger, and that challenge could arrive in the form of a very familiar face.
Rhea Ripley Set For Shot At Bianca Belair
Since joining the Judgment Day back in May Rhea Ripley has enjoyed a career renaissance. Acting as the enforcer for the group, the Australian star has earned comparisons with WWE legend Chyna. Although she has only wrestled on rare occasions due to injury, her performances as part of Judgment Day have drawn praise from fans who have begun to get being the star, especially since she recruited Dominik Mysterio into the group.
Although Ripley hasn’t been involved with the women’s division in recent months she recently teamed with Damage CTRL and Nikki Cross to take on Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Mia Yim, Alexa Bliss and Asuka at Survivor Series. Ripley was also due to face Belair at Money In The Bank before injury intervened. The two women have a lengthy rivalry going back to their time in NXT, and it could be set to take centre stage at the biggest WWE show of the year.
During the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Rhea Ripley is in line for a major push, and that could see her face Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 39.
“There’s a very big push for Rhea Ripley. I think we may be looking at Rhea Ripley vs Bianca Belair at WrestleMania [next] year.”
Interestingly, Ripley recently commented on her rivalry with Belair, commenting that they want to be the next “Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dwayne Johnson.” Austin and The Rock famously battled at three WrestleManias from 1999 to 2003.
H/t Ringside News