by Jules Grey-Griffin
I was just minding my own business backstage, munching on some catering and getting set for a blockbuster National Championship match between Shinsuke Nakamura and new champ Claudio Castagnoli when I heard a voice off in the distance, “Hey you! Hey! You can’t be back here!”
There was a big CLANG and more yelling, then just absolute chaos backstage as RHEA RIPLEY of all people ran past me, through the Go Position, and onto the big stage at Madison Square Garden. Rhea attacked Claudio during his entrance! A huge brawl ensued and Rhea was finally subdued by security and pulled backstage. I threw my Chicken Florentine down and ran into the pile to try and figure out what the hell just happened.
I was finally able to get a word with Rhea after she was tossed out the building:
JGG: Rhea, what was the reason behind your sudden attack on Claudio Castagnoli during his entrance at Global Sport Council’s Season 3 premiere?
Rhea Ripley: Let me tell you something, I’m not one to sugarcoat anything. I attack who I want, when I want, and for my own reasons. Claudio is just the first one to feel my wrath.
Jules Grey-Griffin: But why attack him specifically?
RR: Not that I attacked him SPECIFICALLY, but Claudio is a very well-respected wrestler in this industry. But what he represents is everything I stand against. He represents the old guard, the establishment. And let me tell you, the establishment is shaking in its boots because the future just arrived, and it’s me.
JGG: What do you mean by that?
RR: I am a revolutionary force in this industry. I’m not afraid to take on the establishment, to challenge the status quo, and to bring about change. I’m tired of the same old, same old. It’s time for a new era, and Rhea Ripley is leading the charge.
JGG: By going after Claudio? He’s a veteran of this business and has a lot of experience.
RR: Experience doesn’t mean anything if you’re stuck in your ways. Claudio is just another roadblock to my goals. He’s just another obstacle to overcome, and I’ll do it with pleasure.
JGG: What exactly are you trying to accomplish then with a stunt like this? Are you looking to take over Global Sport Council?
RR: I’m not looking to take over Global Sport Council. I’m looking to change it, to shake it up, and to bring it into the future. I want to show the world what the next generation of wrestling can be. And let me tell you, it’s going to be something special.
JGG: What would you say to the other wrestlers in Global Sport Council that may be upset at your arrival? There are many who may see you as a threat.
RR: I don’t see myself as a threat. I see myself as a necessary change. If they can’t keep up, that’s their problem, not mine. I’m here to change the game, and anyone who stands in my way will feel the full force of my revolution.
JGG: So, what then? You’re putting all of Global Sport Council on notice?
RR: You better believe it. The world of professional wrestling is about to change, and I’m leading the charge. Get ready, because the future is here, and it’s called Rhea Ripley.
JGG: Rhea, I have to tell you that the match you disrupted between Claudio Castagnoli and Shinsuke Nakamura has been immediately re-signed for next week at Render Wrestling’s Polaris.
RR: Oh, I figured as much. You can bet I’ll be keeping my eye on it.
JGG: I have to inform you also that you have been banned from the arena outright, and guards will be in place to prevent you from interfering.
RR: Banned from the arena? That’s interesting. I can do what I want, when I want. Nobody can stop me.
JGG: I have to warn you, Rhea, there may be consequences if you attempt to interfere in the match.
RR: Consequences? That’s just a word. I make my own rules, and I don’t play by anyone else’s. If I want to make an impact, I will.
JGG: So, you’re not saying that you will interfere in this match, but you’re also not ruling it out?
RR: I never rule anything out. I like to keep people guessing, keep them on their toes. Let’s just say, I have a reputation to uphold, and I won’t let a little thing like a ban stop me from doing just that. The revolution starts NOW.
All I have to say is DAMN. I’ve never met Rhea in person before tonight, and she is a legit beast. I know I wouldn’t mess with her! What exactly is Rhea doing here in Global Sport Council? I’m not exactly sure, but I think EVERYONE on the roster better watch themselves.
Man, I hope there’s still some Chicken Florentine left…
