WWE’s decision to keep Rhea Ripley as Women’s Champion while introducing an interim title at SummerSlam has sparked plenty of debate online, but the mood backstage appears to be much calmer. Despite questions over why WWE didn’t simply vacate the championship, the wrestlers involved don’t seem bothered by the company trying something different.
During a Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp was asked whether there had been any negative reaction inside WWE to the interim championship plan. The reader suggested it may have made more sense to vacate the title, crown a new champion and see how that reign played out until Ripley returned. Sapp said he hasn’t heard of any frustration, mockery or resistance from the locker room.
“I haven’t really heard anything negative about it. No eye-rolling or anything like that.”
Rather than viewing the move as a problem, Sapp described it as WWE testing a different way to handle a champion being sidelined by injury. Sapp acknowledged that decisions like this are usually met with jokes and criticism from wrestling viewers. Backstage, however, the reaction has been much more positive, especially from the women booked in the match.
“It’s a different approach for WWE and just something new they’re trying.”
“I know any time something like this happens, it’s met with a lot of jest from fans, but the roster seemed happy about the match.”
WWE will crown the interim Women’s Champion in a five-way ladder match during SummerSlam Night Two. Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair and Lash Legend are all scheduled to compete for the title while Ripley recovers from her knee injury.
The decision allows WWE to keep Ripley’s championship reign intact while still giving the division an active titleholder. It also sets up a future championship showdown whenever Ripley is cleared to return, with the undisputed title potentially hanging in the balance.
WWE may be taking a risk with the interim championship concept, but the women involved appear ready to make the most of it. The real test will come once a winner is crowned and WWE has to prove the title is more than a temporary prop.
Do you think WWE made the right call by introducing an interim Women’s Championship, or should Rhea Ripley have been stripped of the title? Leave your feedback in the comments.
