Bayley spoke about Rhea Ripley during the WrestleMania XL Sunday press conference.
At the event, Bayley beat IYO SKY for the Women’s Title while Ripley retained the Women’s World Title over Becky Lynch. She said,
“Rhea is once in a lifetime. I get so jealous of her. First, I have so much respect for her because she works her butt off. You guys see Judgment Day on every single show like ten times throughout the night. That is not easy and sometimes not always fun. It’s very hard. I have all the respect for all the work she does. Plus, she puts on incredible matches. She’s so young, so athletic, she does one dropkick. I can’t do a dropkick to someone’s knees. Everything she does makes me mad [laughs]. I feel, as the time comes for the Four Horsewomen to lift the division up and get better and better, as we wanted to from the beginning, I’m glad it’s going to someone like Rhea Ripley and somebody like Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Zoey Stark. There are so many women itching to get out there. Candice LeRae is finally showing her face out there. All the girls in NXT. Roxanne Perez, Lyra [Lyra Valkyria]. This is exactly what we wanted. If she’s ready to take it on, I am very proud and I’m very glad to watch it happen, but, let me have my damn moment Rhea [sarcasm].”
In a recent interview at the WrestleMania XL Sunday press conference, Bayley shared her thoughts on fellow wrestler Rhea Ripley. Bayley, who had just won the Women’s Title against IYO SKY, expressed both admiration and jealousy for Ripley’s talent and work ethic.
Bayley began by acknowledging Ripley’s hard work, stating that she has immense respect for her dedication. She highlighted Ripley’s consistent appearances on shows like Judgment Day, which is not an easy feat. Bayley recognized that performing multiple times in one night can be challenging and sometimes not enjoyable. She commended Ripley for her commitment to her craft.
Furthermore, Bayley praised Ripley’s in-ring abilities, describing her as a once-in-a-lifetime talent. She emphasized Ripley’s youth and athleticism, noting that she herself cannot execute moves like Ripley’s impressive dropkick. Bayley admitted that watching Ripley perform makes her envious and frustrated, as she sees the younger wrestler’s skills and abilities surpass her own.
Bayley also expressed her satisfaction with the direction of the women’s division in professional wrestling. She mentioned that it was always the goal of the Four Horsewomen (a group of female wrestlers including Bayley) to elevate the division and make it better. Bayley expressed her happiness that this responsibility is now being passed on to talented individuals like Ripley, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Zoey Stark, Candice LeRae, Roxanne Perez, and Lyra Valkyria.
The wrestler acknowledged that there are numerous women in NXT (WWE’s developmental brand) who are eager to showcase their abilities. Bayley expressed her pride in witnessing the growth and progress of the women’s division, particularly with Ripley at the forefront. However, she humorously added a sarcastic remark, playfully requesting that Ripley allow her to enjoy her own moment of success.
Bayley’s comments shed light on the respect and admiration she holds for Rhea Ripley, acknowledging her hard work, talent, and contributions to the women’s division in professional wrestling. As the division continues to evolve and new talents emerge, Bayley’s words reflect the excitement and pride felt by many in the industry.