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WWE is failing to tell the real story of Rhea Ripley versus Liv Morgan

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WWE is failing to tell the real story of Rhea Ripley versus Liv Morgan

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of wrestling fandom under my belt, I must say that the Liv Morgan versus Rhea Ripley feud is a tale as old as time… or at least, as old as the WWE’s tendency to prioritize the male gaze over compelling storytelling.

The intense rivalry between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley stands out as the main women’s division feud within the WWE. They are given prominent spots, allowing them to fully develop their narrative. However, some fans find the storyline less satisfying as it seems to prioritize male perspective with the championship serving more as a prop rather than the central focus. This is regrettable, as WWE has the potential to create a compelling narrative between Morgan and Ripley that could rival some of the greatest rivalries in both the men’s division and across different promotions.

There’s so much to tell between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. Just like Morgan said herself, there was a moment when Ripley took everything from her, so it would make sense that Morgan would some sort of revenge. Where fans are frustrated is that “revenge” revolves around Dominick Mysterio, rather than Morgan simply wanting to dominate Ripley in every fashion. She should not only want to take the title from Ripley, but she should want to beat her in every fashion possible. But the only fashion that WWE seems intent on presenting is that Morgan is dead set on proving that she’s a better lover to Mysterio than Ripley was. That’s the problem with the male gaze in this angle.

Let’s examine the intensity of the rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan, similar to the heated feuds like Adam Page against Swerve Strickland or Drew McIntyre versus CM Punk. For numerous fans, these matches are predicted to be the standout fights of the year. While title moments were present in both conflicts, the animosity between the competitors ran much deeper than just that. This resentment was skillfully conveyed through promos and video segments, making each encounter more thrilling. In a way not seen for quite some time in wrestling, WWE is missing an opportunity to replicate this intensity with Rhea Ripley versus Liv Morgan, instead resorting to overused storylines.

Reflect on this: Morgan and Ripley share a long history dating back years. In 2022, they started partnering up and aimed for the women’s tag team championship. However, their aspirations were cut short when they lost to Naomi and Mercedes Mone, which marked the beginning of their animosity. This culminated in Ripley attacking Morgan. Consequently, a six-person tag team match unfolded at Hell in a Cell, where they, along with AJ Styles and Finn Balor, faced off against the initial group known as The Judgment Day, ultimately losing the bout.

Jump ahead to the Royal Rumble in 2023. Ripley started the match, followed by Morgan. They both managed to stay in the contest throughout, with Ripley eventually eliminating Morgan to claim victory. However, Ripley’s actions would prove detrimental to Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, causing them to lose the tag team championship on several occasions. This series of events ultimately resulted in Morgan being sidelined due to a shoulder injury. When Morgan made her comeback at the 2024 Royal Rumble, she became a constant annoyance for Ripley, becoming her biggest rival since then.

Rather than constantly being reminded of Morgan’s theft of Mysterio from Ripley, fans are frequently focused on this event night after night, with little emphasis given to the rich history leading up to it. This highlights an issue with the male gaze in professional wrestling, as it diminishes a female storyline that could have been a significant struggle, comparable to some of the most impactful narratives in the sport. Instead, these women’s battles often revolve around a man, while the championship title takes a back seat to this dynamic.

Including Rodriguez into the group promises an intriguing twist, considering her extensive past with both females. The possibility for narrating an engaging tale is within reach for those organizing the weekly show. However, it’s unlikely that this story will ever see the light of day.

The intense rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan should be noted for its raw emotions and physicality akin to that of male wrestlers. However, it has been portrayed as a storyline focusing on two women fighting over a man, with the title taking a backseat. This is one reason why many fans are dissatisfied not only with this specific angle but also with the overall evolution of the women’s division.

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2024-10-12 22:15

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