4 reasons why Rhea Ripley shouldn't win back her championship when she returns: Club business, different division & more

Rhea Ripley was on top of the world - and the women's division on WWE RAW - for the last 12 months before relinquishing her title due to injury. She became one of the top stars in WWE and, despite being a heel, one of its most popular performers.

As the Women's World Champion, Mami defeated Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Zelina Vega, Zoey Stark, and Nia Jax. She was booked strongly as the backbone of The Judgment Day and a resilient titleholder.

Beck Lynch initially won the vacant title in a battle royal but lost it to Liv Morgan shortly thereafter. Rhea Ripley's shoulder injury shouldn't require a long absence. However, when she returns to action, she should not win the title back right away for the next four reasons.

---

#4. The division has changed since she vacated her title

Lyra Valkyria has battled Iyo Sky and Damage CTRL since Ripley has been absent [Credit: wwe.com]

When Rhea Ripley relinquished her championship, Becky Lynch was her last challenger and Liv Morgan was gunning for vengeance. Even after winning the Women's World Championship, Morgan has continued her Revenge Tour.

In Mami's absence, The Man's contract expired while Lyra Valkyria and Kiana James both joined RAW in the WWE Draft. Lyra made it to the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament but has crossed paths with Rhea before.

Damage CTRL is on shaky ground and the women's tag team titles are with the Unholy Union after Clash at the Castle: Scotland. The division is different than how she left it and should be navigated before immediately winning the title back upon her return.

---

#3. There's some messy Judgment Day business

The Judgment Day is still the focal point of RAW. Even without Mami on TV screens, the group dynamics continue to fluctuate. Dominik Mysterio brought Carlito into the fold. He's tried to endear himself to the group by interfering on their behalf and attacking their enemies.

Morgan has interjected herself into group business in another attempt to infuriate Rhea Ripley. Damian Priest is trying to keep things together and Finn Balor appears to be trying to keep Morgan away from Dominik.

Is he genuine or is it a misdirect after he grabbed Liv Morgan's hotel key on the latest RAW? Before she completely focuses on getting the title back, she needs to clean up her house. It's much messier than how she left it.

---

#2. It could add a new wrinkle to her character

Some new challenges could cause a shift in Ripley's character [Credit: wwe.com]

Rhea Ripley has been The Eradicator of the Judgment Day for the last three years. She's tormented the heroes of WWE RAW and has ruled over them as their champion.

Things have gone her way in The Judgment Day, but immediately handing a title to a debuting or returning star isn't always a smart decision. It sends a message that the change may have been done for shock purposes despite the current champion's work with the belt.

It can work in the right situation like a dominating titleholder finally loses, but it shouldn't for Rhea Ripley. She could snap and descend into madness if unable to regain her title.

It worked for Lynch and would add a different wrinkle to her character. The Eradicator has been overconfident and braggadocious, so a different direction could eventually lead to another title victory in the future.

---

#1. Rhea Ripley's reign eclipsed a year as champion before vacating

WWE just had three champions with year-long reigns lose their titles in April. Roman Reigns eclipsed 1,300 days while Gunther was Intercontinental Champion for 666 days.

Rhea Ripley was the Women's World Champ for over a year. Long runs can happen every now and then, especially after a long-reigning titleholder is dethroned.

Lengthy reigns should be a thing of the past so that others can work in and out of the picture in feuds. This isn't to say that stars shouldn't hold a belt for nearly a year anymore. Six to nine months is a good run.

Otherwise, it will turn into a Charlotte Flair situation of taking time off every six months and immediately winning a championship when she returns. Ripley sat atop the throne for a long time and shouldn't win the title back right away.

​