Rhea Ripley knows the comparisons to WWE legend Chyna are impossible to avoid—and she’s not running from them. But while Ripley is flattered, she made it clear she’s not here to copy anyone’s legacy.

Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Ripley opened up about how fans constantly compare her dominant persona and look to Chyna, especially given her on-screen relationship with Dominik Mysterio that mirrors the iconic Eddie Guerrero and Chyna duo from WWE’s Attitude Era. Ripley said the comparisons don’t bother her—in fact, she loves them.

“I love them. I do. I really do love them. I think she was such a unique being in this industry and she really did open up so much for women, especially in gender-wise and just being part of DX and all of that. She’s done so much incredible stuff and she’s really someone that I look up to, especially being different, being bigger and bulkier and just having a different build to a lot of the women. She’s someone that I really do look up to. So I’m glad that I get the comparisons. But at the same time, I want to be the first Rhea Ripley.”

Ripley also explained how the chemistry between her and Dominik on WWE television naturally reminded people of Eddie and Chyna—even though none of it was planned that way.

Advertising
Advertising

“The whole storyline with Dom, him being Eddie, me being Chyna… it kind of just flowed. A lot of the stuff that we did, we didn’t actually mean to match up with stuff that they did. It just kind of worked out that way. Even just mannerisms—it just came so naturally that that would be what we would do, and we did it, and we’d come back, and then on Twitter, people would have comparisons of us doing it next to Chyna and Eddie doing the exact same thing. And we’re like, ‘Wow, we didn’t even mean to do that.’ So like… I love that there’s that comparison. But at the same time, I want to be like the first Rhea Ripley.”

Ripley’s size, power, and fearless attitude have made her one of the most dominant women in WWE history—and the chemistry with Dominik has taken The Judgment Day’s popularity to another level. But while she embraces the nods to the past, Ripley is laser-focused on building her own legacy in the business.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you think Rhea Ripley is carving out her own legacy, or will the Chyna comparisons always follow her? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

Felix Upton has over 15 years of experience in media and wrestling journalism. His work at Ringside News blends speed, accuracy, and industry insight.

Disqus Comments Loading...