WWE reportedly put significant effort into hiding Rhea Ripley
The WWE Universe was shocked on Monday's RAW as Rhea Ripley made her highly anticipated return. New details are being revealed about how hard the company reportedly tried to keep things a secret.
The Eradicator took time off in April to recover from a shoulder injury. Monday's return came amid an intimate moment between Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan, who now holds the Women's World Championship that Ripley relinquished due to the injury. The Aussie Superstar chased Morgan until she ran away, then confronted Dirty Dom and berated him to end the show.
Officials often go to great lengths to keep superstar returns a secret from the WWE Universe. A new report from PWInsider notes that word going around the locker room is that the Triple H-led company used its private jet to fly Ripley into Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
After making it to the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ripley was hidden backstage all day, away from almost everyone. She was then brought to the Gorilla Position during the main event so that she could make her now-viral return to close the show.
WWE had a similar plan for CM Punk's surprise appearance at Money In the Bank last weekend. A corporate jet was used to fly The Second City Saint into Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Big WWE RAW opener announced
WWE RAW is heating up as the road to SummerSlam continues. Monday's live show is set to take place at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
WWE has announced that Rhea Ripley will open Monday's episode with an in-ring segment. The official RAW preview notes that The Eradicator is set to address the fans.
"One week after making her thunderous return, Rhea Ripley will kick off Raw. Much will be on the mind of the former Women’s World Champion who had to relinquish her title following an injury sustained at the hands of current champion Liv Morgan. When Ripley made her gigantic return, 'Dirty' Dominik Mysterio and Morgan looked to be in the middle of a compromising situation. What will Mami have to say regarding their recent escapades? Don’t miss The Nightmare’s address this Monday," reads the official preview.
Monday's RAW is set to feature a meeting between Drew McIntyre and Adam Pearce. Officials have also announced Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed, plus an in-ring face-off between Gunther and World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest to promote their upcoming SummerSlam match.