This week on NXT (Oct. 29), Rhea Ripley found herself the victim of a brutal parking lot ambush at the hands of Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, leaving her battered and bruised. WWE subsequently unveiled that Ripley sustained a fractured right orbital socket, putting her wrestling career on indefinite hold.
Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer shed light on the situation, confirming Ripley’s injury is legitimate and the dramatic NXT storyline was a narrative device to explain her absence from the ring.
“It’s a genuine fractured orbital bone. The injury WWE announced is very much real.
The incident appears to have occurred last week…She hasn’t partaken in any recent house shows, so it’s highly probable her last televised encounter with Raquel was the site of the injury. As a result, she’ll be sidelined for an extended period. While I haven’t definitively confirmed this as the reason for her absence from [Crown Jewel], I did hear her name in the initial match discussion. But yes, the injury happened last week, and they used this storyline to provide a plausible explanation for her extended time away from the action.”
Ripley’s final televised appearance before this incident was on the October 21st episode of Raw, where she engaged in a fiery brawl with Rodriguez and Morgan, ultimately leaving Dominik Mysterio trapped in her signature Prism submission hold. At present, there’s no confirmed timeline for Ripley’s return to the squared circle.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Wrestling Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an exciting discussion lined up about recent events in the world of professional wrestling, particularly focusing on WWE’s NXT. Joining us is our wrestling expert, Alex Thompson. Alex, thanks for being here!
Alex: Thank you for having me! Excited to dive into this week’s drama.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. So, this week on NXT, Rhea Ripley was ambushed in the parking lot by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. What do you make of that turn of events?
Alex: It was intense! Rhea Ripley has been a dominant force in NXT, so to see her taken down like that is significant. Liv and Raquel teaming up shows a new dynamic — both of them are formidable competitors, and putting them together could shift the balance of power in NXT.
Editor: Absolutely. It highlights the unpredictability of wrestling storylines. Do you think this ambush was purely strategic, or are there deeper storylines at play?
Alex: I believe there’s definitely more to it. Wrestling is about character development and rivalries. Rhea has been a target for some time, and this seems like a culmination of mounting tensions. Liv and Raquel may see this as a way to get ahead and secure their spots in the title picture. It’s classic wrestling storytelling.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. With Rhea being such a strong character, how do you see this affecting her storyline moving forward?
Alex: This could either solidify Rhea’s position as a face, where she rallies against the odds to come back stronger, or it could push her into a more aggressive, darker side as she seeks revenge. Either route could engage fans even more, especially if they explore her vulnerabilities following this attack.
Editor: It’s a crucial moment for her character indeed. Now, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez have always been in the shadows at times, do you think this ambush will elevate their status in NXT?
Alex: Definitely! If they play their cards right, this could be a major turning point for both. A successful alliance could lead to tag team opportunities or even singles competition for titles. This is their chance to shine, and fans are curious to see how far they’re willing to go.
Editor: Speaking of opportunities, how do you see this impact resonating with the overall NXT landscape?
Alex: It opens the door for not just rivalries but also shifts in alliances. NXT thrives on its intricate storytelling and character arcs. Fans love surprises, and this ambush could set off a chain reaction of betrayals and unexpected partnerships.
Editor: That’s a fantastic insight! Before we wrap up, what do you think the fans should be looking forward to in the coming weeks on NXT following this incident?
Alex: Fans can expect heightened drama, potential confrontations, and possibly a more intense rivalry between Rhea, Liv, and Raquel. I wouldn’t be surprised if we also see some unexpected twists and returns as wrestlers react to this new alliance. It’s all about keeping the audience on their toes!
Editor: Thanks, Alex! This was a riveting discussion about a thrilling moment in wrestling. We can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next!
Alex: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the dynamic world of wrestling. Until next time!