WWE veteran addresses The Judgment Day possibly turning against Rhea Ripley (Exclusive)
Rhea Ripley will not appear on WWE television alongside The Judgment Day for the foreseeable future due to a shoulder injury. Legendary booker and manager Dutch Mantell thinks WWE's creative team could use the real-life setback to cause friction between the Aussie and her stablemates.
Ripley is part of The Judgment Day with Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh. Since The Eradicator was forced to relinquish her Women's World Championship on April 15, her group has already shown major signs of dissension.
On Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk with Rick Ucchino, Mantell questioned whether The Judgment Day could become a strong force again in Ripley's absence. If so, the former WWE personality believes that could lead to doubts over her position in the faction:
"Take her off TV because she'll be doing nothing," Mantell said. "And even if they involve her in something, I guess the fans are thinking, 'Well, she was okay to do that. How hurt is she?' Yeah, I think that's another good call, and just let them see Judgment Day without her, which opens another door when she gets back in there, they can say if they have a little trouble out of her, or whatever, they say, 'Hey, we didn't need you five months ago, four months ago. We didn't even miss you.'" [10:17 – 10:53]
Watch the video above to hear Dutch Mantell's thoughts on what Liv Morgan should do to continue her feud with Rhea Ripley.
Dutch Mantell pinpoints one thing WWE has done well with Rhea Ripley
Triple H has overseen the main roster's creative direction since replacing Vince McMahon in July 2022.
Dutch Mantell thinks the unpredictability surrounding The Judgment Day is another example of how WWE's decision-makers are good at keeping fans guessing:
"This is what WWE used to do. They used to make the fans think, 'Oh, I see it, that's the moment it happened right there. Yeah, okay.' And it gets you thinking. As long as you're thinking about them, guess what? You're not thinking about anybody else. And I think that's a good thing they did and continue to do quite well, I might add." [11:57 – 12:20]
On April 22, Rhea Ripley's rival Liv Morgan was among the participants in a Battle Royal on RAW to crown a new Women's World Champion.
How do you think Triple H should book Rhea Ripley's return? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.