NXT Superstar and recent host of NXT Halloween Havoc, Shotzi Blackheart, has put her money on Rhea Ripley being the next name from the black and gold brand to be called up to WWE’s main roster.
In recent interview with Give Me Sport, the former EVOLVE talent spoke at length about several subjects including the main roster being the goal for all NXT talent. However, the dominant subject was that of which star would be next to make the leap.
Speaking on why Rhea Ripley, in her opinion, is most deserving of a chance, Blackheart orated:
“I think Rhea Ripley [will be called up next]. I don’t know what’s taking so long, honestly! She belongs up there. She’s a superstar! I think, very soon, she’ll be gone. That makes me sad because she’s one of my favorite tag team partners, but she deserves it!”
Many fans would find it hard to disagree. Since first capturing the NXT UK Women’s Championship in November 2018, Ripley has been a force to be reckoned with and clearly on a collision course with either Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown.
Though her momentum was undoubtedly derailed after the loss to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36 – despite her performance and match being one of the best of the entire event – and she’s been arguably treading water in NXT since, a promotion could put all of that right especially since it would give her a chance to right the wrong of WrestleMania in a rematch with ‘The Queen’.
Rhea Ripley was last seen on NXT television this past Wednesday, defeating Raquel Gonzales at NXT Halloween Havoc. Undoubtedly, if anyone looked like they belonged on WWE’s main stage it’s ‘The Most Pit Kid.’
On the same show, Shotzi aided Io Shirai in her defence of the NXT Women’s Championship against Candice LeRae when she halted the intentions of the mysterious Ghostface.