Rhea Ripley Reveals the Biggest Obstacle for WWE Women’s Division: Fighting for Respect

WWE star Rhea Ripley recently shared her thoughts on the challenges the WWE women’s division continues to face, citing the ongoing struggle to gain the same respect as their male counterparts. In a recent interview, Ripley spoke candidly about the hurdles the division has overcome, especially in changing fan perceptions.

WWE Women’s Division: From “Toilet Break” to Main Event Status

Ripley highlighted the journey the women’s division has made, acknowledging that there was a time when women’s matches were dismissed as the “toilet break” segment. She described this label as “plain disrespectful,” especially given how hard WWE’s female athletes work to deliver high-quality performances. “For the longest time, people joked about us being the toilet break,” Ripley said, expressing her frustration over the stigma that once overshadowed women’s wrestling.

Ripley noted that while WWE’s women’s division has made significant strides, they still face an uphill battle to consistently earn fans’ respect. Her comments come shortly after WWE announced the new Women’s United States Championship, a further step toward elevating the division’s status. Ripley sees this addition as a meaningful advancement but emphasizes that respect is something the division must continually fight to maintain.

“We Can Go Just as Hard as the Men”

Ripley also pointed out that WWE’s female wrestlers are just as dedicated and intense as the men, and they give everything they have in the ring. “We go just as hard as the men do, if not harder,” she stated, reinforcing that WWE’s women deserve the same level of appreciation and respect. Ripley’s comments reflect a belief shared by many of her peers who have seen women’s wrestling evolve from a sideshow to a main event.

Looking Ahead: Respect as the Ultimate Goal

As Rhea Ripley recovers from her recent injury, her insights highlight the ongoing commitment of WWE’s women’s division to overcome biases and earn a spot in WWE’s most celebrated moments. Her dedication to breaking stereotypes and fighting for respect mirrors WWE’s broader push to elevate women’s wrestling, especially with initiatives like the Women’s United States Championship.

Ripley’s comments remind fans and insiders alike that while progress has been made, the journey for WWE’s women’s division is far from over.