5 big WWE feuds that can start on RAW & SmackDown after Hell in a Cell – Unexpected challenger for Roman Reign while a 6-time champion goes missing, new title feuds

#4 Rhea Ripley vs. Nikki Cross (WWE RAW)

Nikki Cross was patiently waiting for her title opportunity

WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley successfully defended her RAW Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair at Hell in a Cell 2021. The match ended controversially when Ripley purposely disqualified herself. As a result, Charlotte won the match, but the champion's advantage allowed Ripley to retain her title. It was a strange way to end the title match, especially considering their intense brawl on RAW’s go-home show before Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.

Are @MsCharlotteWWE & #WWERaw #WomensChampion @RheaRipley_WWE co-existing?Not so much at the moment. pic.twitter.com/oNEcNreFRv
— WWE (@WWE) June 8, 2021

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Both superstars engaged in a brawl even after their match ended. Charlotte praised Ripley's winning move and hinted at a potential rematch in the future. But for now, Nikki Cross is patiently waiting for Rhea Ripley on WWE RAW. She was also the last person to pin the reigning women’s champion, but she did have a little help from The Queen.

What a Nightmare! @RheaRipley_WWE interjects after @MsCharlotteWWE takes a count-out loss to @NikkiCrossWWE to heart. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/3DVuyLkMr3
— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2021

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Cross defeated Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in consecutive weeks. She eventually earned the opportunity to challenge the RAW Women's Champion after WWE Hell in a Cell. Cross will now look to make the most of her title shot on the red brand. It would be better if creative didn't limit this rivalry to a one-off encounter. Both Ripley and Cross will benefit from an engaging feud.

About the author

Shruti Sadbhav is a WWE writer at Sportskeeda Wrestling. With a triple major in Journalism, English Literature, and Psychology, she has always been drawn to writing. As an avid sports lover, writing about sports was the finest way to combine her passion with her prowess.

Whenever she writes, Shruti puts herself into the shoes of fans to see how she would appreciate an honest account of anything related to something she follows wholeheartedly with engaging and relevant information to cater to the readers' needs.

Shruti has seven years of experience. She previously worked as a content manager at Fox Sports Asia and as an assistant manager and digital marketer at Kickstart FC. Shruti previously worked in multiple roles in Sportskeeda, where she was a WWE features writer, editor, and content manager. She has over 40 million+ reads across all her writer profiles, giving her an immensely diverse audience across WWE and football.

When it comes to pro wrestling, Shruti does not particularly remember the first match she watched. However, she recalls accompanying her brother and getting hooked when she saw The Undertaker – a fascinating wrestler that she, like thousands of others, believed in.
Her views on pro wrestling evolved as she grew older and understood the intricacies of the business. This allows her to appreciate those who dedicate themselves to the craft and, once in a while, it does become what it has always been touted to be – magical. Her favorite wrestler is Finn Balor due to his persistence.

When she is not working as a writer, Shruti loves to read, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and let Manchester City dictate her weekend plans.

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Edited by Greg Bush