Rhea Ripley is poised for a significant weekend in Las Vegas.
Having triumphed at this year’s Elimination Chamber, Ripley earned a slot at WrestleMania 42 where she will contend against Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship. After being physically assaulted by Cargill on Raw this week, Ripley aims not only for vengeance but also to capture the prestigious title.
WrestleMania championship matches are a familiar stage for Ripley. Last year, she was involved in what was deemed the weekend’s premier bout, competing in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair. Though Sky successfully defended the title, the match itself was lauded as the show’s highlight.
In the course of that contest, Bianca Belair sustained a finger injury and has not competed in WWE since. She underwent surgery earlier in the current year.
Rhea Ripley States WWE is Different Without Bianca Belair
Prior to WrestleMania, Ripley spoke in a recent interview with Shak Wrestling about Bianca Belair’s hiatus and impending return to WWE, remarking that the company’s atmosphere in the locker room has been altered by Belair’s absence.
“Truly, it’s not the same without Bianca present,” Ripley commented. “I genuinely miss her. I’m hoping for her speedy return, yet simultaneously, I wish for her to fully enjoy her well-deserved break from work. She dedicated herself relentlessly for an extended period. They certainly had her undertaking a vast amount of tasks and wrestling extensively. She is entitled to this time away.
“I truly wish the circumstances were better, as that finger appears quite gruesome. It’s astonishing to me that she’s been sidelined for almost a year due to a finger injury. What seems like a minor issue has proven to be quite significant. I’ve personally seen the pictures; she shared them with me, so thank you, Bianca. They are indeed quite unsightly. My sincere hope is for her swift return.”
Bianca Belair, too, is quite familiar with contending for world championships at WrestleMania. She faced Sasha Banks for the world title during the main event of night one at WrestleMania 37. Subsequently, at WrestleMania 38, Belair competed against Becky Lynch, ultimately securing the world championship.
WrestleMania 42 is set to broadcast live on ESPN Unlimited and Netflix for international audiences. Additional matches confirmed for the event feature CM Punk challenging Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Cody Rhodes facing Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a six-person ladder match vying for the WWE Men’s Intercontinental Championship, among others.
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