The stinkface of Rhea Ripley that went viral on social media has been officially approved by the master of the move – WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi.
At a recent WWE live event, Ripley hit the move on Nia Jax. The following night, Shayna Baszler would request being hit with Rhea’s stinkface, but Jax blocked this request.
On a recent edition of his “Rikishi Fatu Off The Top” podcast, Rikishi weighed in on Ripley’s use of the move. He said,
“I got texts, videos sent to me, Instagram, TikTok, on the Twitter, whatever. I was wondering why the hell everybody’s tagging me on this. So I popped it open, man, and there was Rhea Ripley. Rhea was backing it up, boy. She lift them tights up, them wasabi. The wasabi, it was kind of wanting to do its own thing. She’s doing her thing, man, and a big shout-out to Rhea. It’s funny to me, to be able to see the new generation out there backing it up and keeping it going,”
While Rikishi likes Ripley using the move, Rhea’s WrestleMania 40 opponent Becky Lynch has argued that the move is a step backwards for women in wrestling.
The Stinkface Move: Rikishi Approves Rhea Ripley’s Viral Moment
In the world of professional wrestling, certain moves become iconic and forever associated with specific wrestlers. One such move is the stinkface, a move made famous by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi. Recently, Rhea Ripley, a rising star in the wrestling industry, performed the stinkface on Nia Jax during a WWE live event. This moment quickly went viral on social media, catching the attention of fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Rikishi, the master of the stinkface, has officially given his approval to Ripley for using the move. In a recent episode of his podcast, “Rikishi Fatu Off The Top,” he expressed his delight at seeing the new generation of wrestlers carrying on the tradition. He mentioned receiving texts, videos, and tags on various social media platforms, all showcasing Ripley’s rendition of the stinkface.
Describing the moment, Rikishi humorously noted how Ripley lifted her tights, allowing the “wasabi” to do its own thing. He commended her for keeping the move alive and entertaining the audience. Rikishi’s endorsement holds significant weight in the wrestling community, as he is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of this unique maneuver.
However, not everyone shares Rikishi’s enthusiasm for Ripley’s use of the stinkface. Becky Lynch, who is set to face Ripley at WrestleMania 40, has voiced her opinion on the matter. Lynch argues that the move is a step backward for women in wrestling. She believes that focusing on such moves reinforces stereotypes and detracts from the progress women have made in the industry.
Lynch’s perspective highlights an ongoing debate within professional wrestling regarding the portrayal of women. Over the years, female wrestlers have fought hard for equal opportunities and recognition. They have proven their skills, athleticism, and ability to tell compelling stories in the ring. However, there are still instances where certain moves or storylines perpetuate outdated stereotypes.
The stinkface, in particular, has been a controversial move since its inception. Some argue that it objectifies women and reduces them to mere objects of ridicule. On the other hand, proponents of the move argue that it is all part of the entertainment aspect of wrestling and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Ultimately, the use of the stinkface by Rhea Ripley sparks discussions about the evolving role of women in professional wrestling. It serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done in terms of representation and empowering female wrestlers.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between entertainment and respect for all performers. Moves like the stinkface may have their place in wrestling history, but it is essential to ensure that they are used in a way that promotes inclusivity and equality.
In conclusion, Rhea Ripley’s viral stinkface moment has garnered attention from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. While WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi approves of her use of the move, Becky Lynch has raised concerns about its impact on women in wrestling. This debate highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding the portrayal of female wrestlers and the need for continued progress in the industry.