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This week on WWE Monday Night RAW, the company announced that Rhea Ripley will be moving to WWE's flagship show. The former NXT Women's Champion has been pegged by fans, critics, and colleagues as the "next big thing" in WWE.
It's easy to see why. Ripley is a once-in-a-generation talent. With a unique look, the size of an amazonian, natural charisma, she's a star in the making. She checks every single box several times over. Naturally, WWE might want to reintroduce her to its main audience by having her prove herself in a high-caliber feud.
Many casual WWE fans may not be familiar with Ripley's dominant run on NXT. The company has to treat Ripley as an entirely new star, so it must present her as a legitimate player right off the bat.
Running through Reckoning or Dana Brooke week after week won't do it. Rhea Ripley needs to take on a notable Superstar and someone that has earned the respect or fear of their peers.
With that in mind, here's a look at the five best options for Rhea Ripley for her first feud on Monday Night RAW.
#5 Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax aren't like most girls
The Nightmare could easily go toe-to-toe with the former RAW Women's Champion, Nia Jax. Sure, The Irresistible Force has dominated the RAW brand since she debuted on the main roster in 2016. But she might meet her match if she clashes with Ripley.
A feud with Jax could work wonders for the beginning of Ripley's main roster career. Jax has recently pinned the RAW and SmackDown's women's champion in two consecutive nights. As a result, Ripley could look quite impressive if she defeats one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
When looking at Jax and Ripley, one word comes to mind — powerhouses. As heavy hitters, these two stars could probably put on a great slugfest that would, of course, end with a win for Ripley.
Rhea Ripley is the first woman to ever hold both the NXT and NXT UK Women's Championships. WWE seemingly has some big plans for her. Her incredible match with Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 35 makes it clear that Ripley is set for a huge career on the main roster. A win over Nia Jax would be a great way to establish Ripley on WWE RAW right away.
#4 Rhea Ripley breaks through Naomi's glow
Rhea Ripley started off as a dominant heel in NXT UK. The Mosh Pit Kid ran through the NXT UK Women's Division, and she became the inaugural Women's Champion for the brand.
Rhea Ripley ran roughshod, as she defeated beloved faces Xia Brookside, Dakota Kai, and Toni Storm. Her look, attitude, charisma, and moveset lean toward that villainous persona. If she comes to RAW as a heel, Naomi would be a great opponent for her first feud.
Naomi has always had the WWE Universe wrapped around her finger. Even as recently as last summer, fans have begged for the company to give Naomi the push she deserves. Pre-COVID, few entrances caused stadiums to erupt from like Naomi's. The former SmackDown Women's Champion has the ability to back up the hype that surrounds her.
Imagine the matches fans could see between these two stars. Naomi could try to keep away from Rhea Ripley's grip as long as she possibly can. Ultimately, though, Ripley could overcome her athleticism and lock her in the Prism Trap to make Naomi tap out.
If WWE wants to showcase Ripley's dominance, she needs to mow down someone that the fans love. Naomi is a perfect fit for this role.
#3 Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair: Round 2
Of course, WWE could always kick things right into high gear for Rhea Ripley. The former NXT Women's Champion lost her title to Charlotte Flair in a highly-acclaimed match at WrestleMania 36. But many fans soured on the ending because they wanted to see the young megastar go over.
With Rhea Ripley making her way to Monday Night RAW, her first feud should be with Flair. It's already WrestleMania season, and a rematch between the two rivals is meant for the big stage.
There's a lot of unfinished business between these two. Rhea Ripley never got her one-on-one rematch against Flair. The duo could have one of the greatest multi-year feuds of this generation. At WrestleMania 36, Flair took out Ripley. At WrestleMania 37, fans could see The Nightmare tie things up.
After that, the two stars could go separate ways. Flair could even win the RAW Women's Championship so Ripley could take it from her at WWE SummerSlam. That sounds like a potentially great main roster feud to kick off Ripley's time on RAW.
#2 Rhea Ripley is ready for Asuka
Beyond a feud between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley, Asuka might be the best opponent for The Nightmare when she arrives on RAW. LrestleMania is only two months away, and the RAW Women's Champion doesn't have a clear challenger yet.
Since Flair returned to RAW, many fans have expected to see her get a WrestleMania 34 rematch against the Empress of Tomorrow on the Grandest Stage of Them All. What if Rhea Ripley decides to ruin Flair's road to WrestleMania?
After all, Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka has to be a dream match for the WWE Universe. There's also potential for a buzzworthy Tripl Threat Match with Asuka, Flair and Ripley.
It would be poetic justice if Rhea Ripley took the RAW Women's Championship by defeating Flair at WrestleMania. At that point, The Nightmare's journey would have come full circle a full year after her loss at WrestleMania 36.
Otherwise, a war between two of the most dominant NXT Women's Champions in the company's history could be a money feud that would quickly establish Ripley as a genuine star.
#1 Rhea Ripley reignites her feud with Shayna Baszler
Rhea Ripley made her name in NXT by dethroning the nearly-unbeatable Shayna Baszler. Though it was short-lived, these two had a phenomenal feud that featured two powerful WWE Superstars warring with each other.
In 2020, Shayna Baszler came to RAW in dominant fashion by running wild in the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble Match. She then brutally attacked RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch by taking a chunk out of her neck. At Elimination Chamber 2020, she eliminated every woman in the match to emerge as Lynch's challenger at WrestleMania 36.
Since Baszler's loss in that match, it can be argued that WWE has mishandled her. Still, the Queen of Spades is an imposing competitor, and she could help shine a light on Rhea Ripley's dominance.
Fans only got to see WarGames Match and a singles match between these two rivals. Many NXT fans definitely would have loved to get a chapter or two more out of this feud. These fans could get their wish on RAW because Baszler could seek revenge by targeting Ripley when she debuts.
