Could we one day see Rhea Ripley compete in the men’s Royal Rumble match? WWE Hall of Famer ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James believes it’s possible.
The men’s match has seen three women compete, the most recent of which being Nia Jax in the 2019 men’s Rumble match.
On a recent edition of his “Oh You Didn’t Know” podcast, James recalled Nia sharing the ring with the likes of Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton. He said,
“I thought she did great, I thought the guys did great stuff with her. Everybody was on board with it, and it was awesome. We don’t hit women, that’s not what we do, we don’t do that. This was an exception to the rule where we were trying something and seeing what the feedback would be.”
James then spoke about Rhea Ripley, who he believes would be right at home in the men’s Royal Rumble match. He said,
“I think she is not only equal in size to some of today’s competitors, I think she’s equal in talent and strength as well, you know what I mean. I believe her if she came in and beat The Road Dogg’s arse, I believe that. If Nia came in and did that I believe that, if Chyna did it, I believe it. But no, you don’t make a habit of it.”
Ripley won the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble match. She would defeat Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Rhea Ripley: Could She Compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble?
The world of professional wrestling is known for its larger-than-life characters and jaw-dropping moments. One such moment occurred in the 2019 men’s Royal Rumble match when Nia Jax, a female wrestler, entered the ring alongside her male counterparts. This groundbreaking move sparked a debate about gender equality in the wrestling industry and opened the door for future possibilities. Now, WWE Hall of Famer ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James believes that Rhea Ripley, another talented female wrestler, could one day compete in the men’s Royal Rumble match.
In the history of the men’s Royal Rumble match, only three women have participated. The most recent was Nia Jax, who made a memorable appearance in 2019. Speaking on his podcast “Oh You Didn’t Know,” James praised Jax’s performance and the positive feedback it received. He acknowledged that this was an exception to the rule, as hitting women is not something wrestlers typically do. However, it was an experiment to gauge audience reaction and explore new possibilities.
James then turned his attention to Rhea Ripley, a rising star in the wrestling world. He expressed his belief that Ripley would excel in the men’s Royal Rumble match, both in terms of size and talent. James emphasized that Ripley’s strength and abilities are on par with many male competitors. He even mentioned that he would believe it if Ripley were to defeat him in a match. However, he also noted that such instances should not become a regular occurrence.
Rhea Ripley has already made a name for herself in the wrestling industry. In 2023, she emerged victorious in the women’s Royal Rumble match and went on to defeat Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39. Her accomplishments and undeniable talent have garnered attention and speculation about her potential future endeavors.
The idea of women competing in traditionally male-dominated matches is not entirely new. In the past, legendary wrestler Chyna also broke barriers by participating in men’s matches. These groundbreaking moments challenge societal norms and demonstrate the evolving nature of the wrestling industry.
While the possibility of Rhea Ripley competing in the men’s Royal Rumble match remains speculative, it highlights the ongoing conversation about gender equality in professional wrestling. The industry has come a long way in terms of inclusivity and representation, but there is still progress to be made. The success and popularity of female wrestlers like Ripley and Jax demonstrate that audiences are receptive to seeing women compete on equal footing with their male counterparts.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if WWE and other promotions explore more opportunities for women to compete in traditionally male-dominated matches. Whether it’s Rhea Ripley or another talented female wrestler, the potential for groundbreaking moments and unforgettable performances is undoubtedly present. The future of women’s wrestling holds endless possibilities, and fans eagerly await what lies ahead.