Watching WWE WrestleMania 39 live was an unforgettable experience, particularly due to the match between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. This sentiment remained true even for the rematch I witnessed in 2025.
Before the highly-anticipated showdown between these two competitors, fans and experts alike, including those from US Wrestling Inc., advocated for this WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship match to headline the event, thanks to its compelling storytelling and star appeal.
Ripley and Flair had previously faced off in 2020 during the "Show of Shows," albeit in a more intimate setting at the WWE Performance Center. Despite the smaller venue, the WWE Universe strongly supported Ripley, who was in her early NXT days, as she took on Flair. However, the outcome saw Flair emerge victorious after a 20-minute battle, adding yet another title to her accolades.
Fast forward to 2023: Ripley was back for vengeance, aiming not only for payback but also for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. She earned her shot by winning the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble, featuring an impressive performance that lasted 1 hour, 1 minute, and 8 seconds. As the match approached, Ripley displayed increased strength, experience, and determination, even as she shone brightly on her own, separate from her Judgment Day stable.
As the semi-main event at WrestleMania 39 unfolded, the match itself was a fierce contest filled with dramatic near-falls, timely counters, and aggressive exchanges. After Flair kicked out of a spear, she challenged Ripley to prove herself worthy of her position in the WWE, which Ripley did, exchanging blows before Flair caught her in a Figure Four.
Displaying her growth and understanding of the ring, Ripley managed to grab the bottom rope to escape the hold. Despite being pushed to her limits, Flair attempted to execute a high-risk move, but Ripley countered and bounced her head off the ring post, exclaiming, "That’s my time!" The subsequent avalanche maneuver thrilled the audience, resulting in Ripley becoming the new champion, with Flair wearing a proud smile.
This match firmly established Ripley as a top star in the WWE, while Flair’s talent for high-impact moves and submissions breathed new life into the encounter, showcasing a more physical aspect of wrestling. Notably, Flair suggested extending the match longer than planned, resulting in a captivating 24-minute showdown.
Written by Ella Jay
Fan Take: This match is significant for wrestling fans because it represents a shift towards empowering women in the sport, showcasing their capabilities on grand stages. With talents like Ripley and Flair at the forefront, the future of women’s wrestling looks more exciting and competitive than ever.
