WWE Hall of Fame Kevin Nash believes Rhea Ripley has a rare combination of athleticism, psychology and star power that separates her from her peers.
Speaking about the “Kliq This” podcast with co-host Sean Oliver, Nash did not refrain from praise for the current WWE Women’s World Championship.
“Rare is very athletic. She looks like she can probably oppose 50% of the male roster,” Nash said. “I even wrote a note saying she could work in the men’s department.”
The wrestling legend continued his admiration, highlighting Ripley’s complete package.
“She’s a star, man… it’s hard to put her in the ring… she’s so done. She’s beyond everything.”
Lost Art of Sale
Nash specifically highlights Ripley’s ability to sell, her talent for responding to enemy attacks, as a particularly unusual skill in today’s wrestling landscape.
“I said a long time ago at this show that there are very few people who can sell or sell rare, just like rare knows how to sell,” Nash explained.
The former NWO member also touched on the psychological aspects of Ripley’s match, noting that her attacks should be portrayed in a different way than her enemies.
“The kick from Rare to one of her opponents in this particular match feels different and should sell differently than the Roxanne to Rare kick,” he said. “Everything is not equal, and I think psychology has to sneak in. [the match]. ”
Nash’s gratitude goes beyond Ripley’s work in the ring.
“I’m not like the ink guy,” he said, referring to Ripley’s tattoo.
It’s bigger than life’s existence
Perhaps most fascinating was the discussion of how Ripley projects a larger than life, despite not being physically proud enough to appear on television.
“I thought Rare was like a 6-foot, 185-pound girl. She’s probably 5’7,” Nash revealed. “But on television, the way she moves, she comes across more than life.
Nash compared the phenomenon to his early experiences as a wrestling fan.
“I remember seeing Hogan’s job when I was Mark. I swear Hogan was 6’99.” He was bigger than life, his charisma, everything else, so when I finally met him, he wasn’t close to that size. ”
The WWE Hall of Fame is even more similar to movie stars who possess similar qualities.
“We know every genre too. Stallone is probably a little guy. Tom Cruise is also a little thing.”
He also shared Ripley’s personal experiences behind the scenes.
“When I saw her at Summer Slam, she had no makeup and it was everything. She was quiet and really cold.”
The Championship Dilemma
Nash’s comments suggest that Ripley could head towards an extended championship rule, as well as Roman rule.
“If you give people that Rhea is a champion, that’s very difficult because she’s in a place in Rome now. She’s going to do things for four years,” predicted Nash. “It’s that kind of situation where you have to promote using her. [others]. ”
While acknowledging Ripley’s control, Nash mentioned several wrestlers who could potentially match her.
“It’s Bianca, but I think it’s like Bianca and Jade. I think Jade will get there. She’s still green, but she’s got a lot better.”
With such a high praise from one of wrestling’s most respected hearts, Ripley’s position as one of WWE’s Cornerstone performers seems safe.
Nash’s analysis not only examines Ripley’s current situation, but also suggests that her ceiling may be even higher than previously thought.
