The Edge of Disaster: How Rhea Ripley Almost Blew the Royal Rumble Finish
In the high-stakes world of WWE, a single slip can be the difference between immortality and a crushing defeat. For Rhea Ripley, the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble was a rollercoaster of adrenaline, physical pain, and a moment of pure terror that fans at home never noticed.
During a candid interview with ESPN, the “Mami” of WWE opened up about the chaotic climax of the match. As the battle narrowed down to Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and Asuka, the tension was palpable. After Asuka’s elimination, Rhea found herself clinging to the apron, fighting not just her opponent, but gravity itself.
A Grip on Glory (and a Slip into Panic)
The finish saw Rhea eliminate Liv Morgan with a stunning head scissors throw from the apron. While it looked seamless on television, Rhea confesses that she was seconds away from a catastrophe. Due to the intense physical exertion, her hands were drenched in sweat, making the ropes incredibly slippery.
“Right now I’m thinking, please don’t fall, and then I slipped and I was like, ‘oh, please don’t let go.’ Like if I let go, I’ve screwed everything up,” Ripley admitted.
The psychological pressure was immense. Rhea described the moment as a desperate internal plea, reminding herself that despite all the heavy lifting in the gym, this was the one “weight” she absolutely could not drop.
The Gauntlet: From Concrete Spears to Number One
The finish was only the tip of the iceberg. Rhea’s journey to the victory was paved with hardship long before the final bell. She highlighted two major challenges that made her win even more impressive:
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- The Concrete Impact: Early in the night, Rhea suffered a brutal spear from Beth Phoenix directly onto the concrete floor of the rampway.
- The Number One Spot: Entering the Royal Rumble at #1 is widely considered the most difficult position, requiring a wrestler to outlast 29 other competitors.
Combined, the physical trauma of the concrete floor and the mental exhaustion of being the first entrant made the final moments of the match a true test of will.
Why This Matters for Rhea Ripley’s Legacy
This revelation adds a layer of human vulnerability to one of the most dominant forces in the WWE Women’s Division. It proves that even the most powerhouse athletes face moments of doubt and near-failure.
Rhea Ripley’s ability to maintain her composure—despite the sweat, the pain, and the fear—is exactly what separates a champion from a contender. The 2023 Royal Rumble wasn’t just a win; it was a survival story.
Source: Transcription provided via Fightful.
