Rhea Ripley returned to WWE too soon, legend says

Rhea Ripley returned to WWE RAW on July 8 after a three-month absence due to a shoulder injury. Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash understands why the popular star is already back on television. However, he thinks her return should have been delayed.

Last week's RAW ended with Ripley walking away from her Judgment Day stablemate Dominik Mysterio moments after he looked set to kiss Liv Morgan. On July 15, the Aussie challenged Morgan to a Women's World Championship match at SummerSlam on August 3.

Ripley is among the most imposing wrestlers in WWE's women's division. For that reason, Nash said on Kliq This that she should have been given more time to rebuild her size before returning:

"I thought that Rhea looked like she's 12 months [weeks] after shoulder operation, she looked like she was pushed back too soon. She didn't look like she was in good shape. It looked like she needs more time. Shoulders are f***ing, man, they're a lot tougher than a tricep is [to rebuild muscle]." [57:44 – 58:06]

Ripley watched on from ringside as Dominik Mysterio lost to Jey Uso on the July 15 episode of RAW. After the match, Jey gestured for the former Women's World Champion to call him.

Kevin Nash compares CM Punk and Rhea Ripley's returns

CM Punk tore his triceps during his WWE return match at the Royal Rumble on January 27. The Best in the World looks set to face Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam, but the much-anticipated bout has not yet been confirmed.

According to Kevin Nash, Rhea Ripley was probably rushed back to RAW because of her importance to the women's division. The men's world title scene already consists of several wrestlers, including McIntyre, Damian Priest, Gunther, and Seth Rollins.

"You don't push a guy [CM Punk] to get him back in the mix, but then you push her [Rhea Ripley], but then I look at it, I'm just like they're so top heavy in that world title for the guys' side," Nash said. "There's so many interchangeable pieces there." [58:35 – 59:01]

Morgan accepted Ripley's challenge on the latest episode of RAW, making the match official for SummerSlam. At the same event, Priest will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against King of the Ring winner Gunther.

What do you make of Kevin Nash's comments about Rhea Ripley? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

Please credit Kliq This and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart