Reaction: Rhea Ripley Vacates the WWE Women's World Championship | Busted Open

Dave LaGreca & Bully Ray discuss Rhea Ripley vacating the WWE Women's World Championship due to injury and what that means for the women's division (and specifically Liv Morgan) going forward, plus Karl Anderson joins the show to talk about Tama Tonga's WWE debut.
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Busted Open airs seven days a week, 9am-12pm ET on SiriusXM Fight Nation 156. Host Dave LaGreca discusses all aspects of pro wrestling with the greatest cast of co-hosts in the industry: WWE Hall of Famers Bully Ray & Mark Henry, ECW legend Tommy Dreamer, Mickie James, Thunder Rosa, and Denise Salcedo.
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#wwe #wrestling

[@GoldenWind30]

Can’t wait to see Gallows & Anderson interact with Tama in the WWE!

[@robcampion9917]

I think all it needs to be is a nod of acknowledgement. In my mind that would be the cooler way of doing it.

[@nicholasward1925]

@@robcampion9917I think there will surely be some sort of retry at making money off of the bullet club lore. 3/4 founding members of the bullet club are in the WWE right now. Beyond that, other BC leaders of the past and members. I think it’s inevitable down the line.. the only thing that really puts a dent in that thought though is time. If we don’t get rock vs Roman for 2 years, I’m not sure who will still be there. But after rock and Roman fight, then unite the bloodline - they’ll be huge. And a Cody Rhodes led Bullet Club would rival the newly Babyfaced bloodline. Triple H bringing back the large faction wars.. I think it could do well, no?

[@dngl21]

"How can we miss you if you won't go away". -Jim Cornette

[@NLaBar]

That applies to people that are we are tired of seeing … doesn’t quite work when it comes to Rhea bloody Ripley.

[@belhinaniabdelkhalek6481]

@@NLaBar It would ve happened soon enough,you know how wrestling fans be !

[@dom19945]

@@belhinaniabdelkhalek6481 I don’t think Rhea’s popularity even peaked during this run. Would’ve been a long time still.

[@dom19945]

@@NLaBarExactly. I missed seeing Rhea after Raw was over. This applies more to someone like Becky whose gimmick is stale.

[@K-dawg26]

​@@NLaBarEven though it should.

[@b0nkert0ns7]

I’d love to see them put Raquel with Liv, use her as the Diesel to HBK. It makes Liv more believable as a heel champ and helps get Raquel over.

[@adam-yk6yd]

This is a fantastic idea

[@DamnWhoAsked]

They should definitely put a muscle or two behind her. Make her that chicken shit heel that cheats to win at any cost. When a win seems unlikely, she can always have backup.

[@isabellasymone1895]

sadly raquel is out again cause of MCAS but it would be dope if they could do that

[@mightyknight]

That'll be funny.

[@FadeGalaxis]

Karl Anderson is honestly one of my favorite wrestlers period. Dude has been all over the world alongside Doc Gallows and its awesome to see them enjoying the time there and helping talent as well as having banger matches.

[@pinroshan020]

More like Karl Jobberson

[@user-dc4xb1rp9g]

Bully,totally agree with you about Liv Morgan.Your ideas were great!Creative has an opportunity.

[@mitchellchagas1669]

Maybe im just a mark, but I could listen to Bully talk about the pro wrestling all day. Love the pod gang!

[@ReggieWolfpac1]

There's no such thing as Mark if you a fan you a fan period bruh.

[@lloydspence3956]

@@ReggieWolfpac1 a mark is a mark

[@ReggieWolfpac1]

@@lloydspence3956 Ain't no such thing but if you believe in it then that's you.

[@K-dawg26]

​@ReggieWolfpac1 Yes there is. For example, people who think certain wrestlers don't draw or aren't over even though those wrestlers do and they are. Those same people even think that things still suck to them even though things going on now are better than what was happening under the previous regime. They think the attitude era is the greatest era of all time. It's not. No one era is the greatest. Each era has a little bit of everything for everybody.

[@K-dawg26]

You're not.

[@skybearer]

My boy Karl! Love seeing my friend get some airtime! One of the best dudes in the game

[@jamesgroover4643]

Injuries fucking blow 👎 I'm eight weeks out of rotator cuff and bicep surgery. It's a fucking grind man. For Rhea, she's running real hot and now this. Best wishes for a recovery, ASAP 🤞🤞

[@Orlando-oc8ee]

Dang dude, the heck were you doing preacher curls? Rotator cuffs AND bicep injuries SUUUCCCK 😭 I can only imagine the worst I have had was a 3 partial tears of my ACL and pulling both my hamstrings at the same time and none required surgery, good luck and I hope you have an amazing recovery dude!

[@jamesgroover4643]

Haha. 🤣🤣 More of a wear and tear issue.

[@jamesgroover4643]

Luckily both were small. Thanx for the positive vibes, much appreciated 🤞

[@SPVGARY1]

Bully should be working for WWE Creative

[@jessepicarello805]

Rhea’s reign was kind of fizzling anyway, this injury made her story arc 100 times more interesting.

[@Xmetalfanx]

1:35 ... when that music hits .... the root may literately blow off the arena ... like no matter what they have Rhea do as a heel ... the fans seem to love her anyway

[@aceloco817]

When are the ol Njpw fans getting that on screen moment with Tama Tonga, Finn & the Good Brothers & AJ ? Major smark pop!! 🤘🤘

[@ebercasio]

Remember Tama Tonga jumped Cody and Kenny at the NJPW event in SF. Let’s throw Cody in there too!!!

[@Punk_is_idol]

Let’s be real Aj is talking about retiring , it’s better off for Tama to be to be with the bloodline plus the history mentioned from NJPW

[@mikepelosi9877]

I think it's good she is taking a break. Injuries suck, but there really isn't anyone that can challenge Rhea right now. Charlotte and Bianca are the only ones that could conceivably beat her, and Charlotte is injured and Bianca is doing the tag team thing. They need to find opponents for her that can wrestle, promo, and are physically intimidating (or an underdog that can fight from underneath). Becky fits the bill as well if they prolong the feud while Rhea is injured.

[@sadiki1980]

Bianca can still be a tag team with Jade and be the champion of Raw too. Have Bianca and Jade win the tag titles at Backlash and still have Bianca become new World champion. Or have Naomi go to Raw and take that spot.

[@joemckim1183]

@@sadiki1980 Naomi would make a terrible womens champ. She's fine as a contender but based on her promo work on last weeks Smackdown she's at best a transitional champ. But mostly she's just someone for the champ to beat in title defenses on Raw or Smackdown.

[@b0nkert0ns7]

Yeah I can’t buy Naomi as on par with Rhea, Bianca, Charlotte, Asuka, Becky. Even Bayley is a notch below that group IMO. I think the next best bet is Tiffy. She and Jade are the next big stars of that division. Also looking forward to the Iyo babyface run.

[@bobmoderson2440]

Ivy maybe someone too​@sadiki1980

[@mellozappa583]

Tiffany is green, and so is Jade. I think its time to poach Toni Storm

[@robTCGZ]

I'd love to hear more from Karl Anderson. He sounds very professional and very smart. I liked all of his answers.

[@IOSALive]

Busted Open Podcast, I subscribed because your videos are super cool!

[@yankee_tango]

Now that Tama Tonga is in the WWE it is only a matter of time before Tanga Loa comes in, the Triple H era is truly going to be special and his foresight and booking skills are top notch. I just hope that this era has a rather long run because it is pulling me back in after about a 5 year break from it.

[@dougschadel8094]

As long as it's not Becky or Nia. Let's gooooo🙌🙌🙌

[@LetsGetitBoah]

It was Becky.

[@picogram2025]

damn bully with ideas like that you have a future in this

[@ericmarks6322]

Time for Michin to step up her game.

[@dirtymcnuggets9933]

Bully would be a great coach in NXT

[@billyburleson6238]

Remember rhea told liv.. "enjoy rehab" liv should say the same thing to rhea or enjoy " Watching me with your women's title " .... definitely liv get heel heat 😊😊

[@applesoranges559]

Busted Open simple "THE" best 💯 ..

[@jinkisaragii3169]

BULLY CAME WITH SOME BANGER IDEAS! HIRE HIS ASS IN CREATIVE

[@ScottLombardi]

Back in 1996 Triple H doing the curtain call gave Stone Cold Steve Austin the chance to run and become the face of WWE

[@donaldwilson2620]

A heel turn will not only benefit Liv Morgan, but as we saw this past Monday on Raw, Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell are also benefiting from becoming heels and that team is getting more air time now. Liv will most likely be the next Woman's Champion, and Candice & Indi could possibly be Women's Tag Champs in the near future.

[@renderinghues4616]

6:52 Why didnt he say we JUST saw it with Sheamus? Sheamus is the prime example of that. "When you come back from injury, you're going to come back bigger than ever."

[@iaakra26]

Liv Morgan Taking Dominick and The Judgement Day from Rhea would be the nail in the coffin

[@PMack5]

Imagine if Rhea comes back at the same time on the same roster as Charlotte 🤔🤔

[@TheJuicyjunk]

You're on the mark mate

[@xHighgatex]

The guy with the beard sounds like paul heyman or am I tripping

[@PittheadX]

So, Bully interviews his younger brother Billy!!??

[@theevn7]

Good podcast tempranoe

[@WWE2KUNIVERSEELITE]

There are a lot of injuries on the roster but with how Triple H has managed this roster they have a deep talented roster that most can be main eventers in any other promotion thats how strong their talent is.

[@nixy..]

Kudos to Karl for not taking Bully’s bait.

[@LJ777]

Is the school of malenko a thing? I heard Kane mention it before

[@freddyleal1756]

Will MAMI be back in June for Corpus Christi TX? Or is it too soon?

[@pradayou5405]

She probably won't be back until SummerSlam

[@jaketopper2916]

Drink everytime Dave says during wrong. Hahaha. #doring lolololol. And I live one state away with the same nyc nj Long Island accent. So funny

[@ChristopherTubbs-bf3jz]

Bully could help AEW out tremendously

[@umairrashid9345]

Kick E out of AEW first!!!!!

[@Kamsae]

This version of Liv Morgan is good. She gives me some Roxanne Perez vibes right now. And she is doing amazing work right now in NXT.

[@ItApproaches]

Disagree, Liv is a boring nobody. Just an Alexa Bliss knockoff.

[@AJChaka]

Liv has played that character longer, plus unlike Roxanne… Liv was talking facts

[@baldman75]

Heel Roxanne is sooooooo good

[@Peppers19781978]

what is odd is that Liv acted like a heel and Rhea is in a heel stable but cut a babyface-ish promo.I agree she will get a babyface pop when she returns so do you turn Judgement Day babyface? I mean Dom gets the most legit heel heat in the WWE. Finn can easily be a top babyface. Priest can go either way but I dont see him being champ when Rhea returns.

[@Kamsae]

@@ItApproaches Well you're entitled to your opinion. But I'm enjoying what I'm seeing so far.

[@jahjr92aka187]

I really want to see an official Bullet Club faction in WWE.

[@AJChaka]

I’d like to see Nia Jax get the belt, her performances against Lynch & Rhea have not left my mind. Plus her promos are entertaining

[@RAZGR1Z]

Sup, Dwayne.

[@HenryT316]

​@@RAZGR1Z que Pasa menso?

[@illtakeyobitch]

Worst idea ever

[@xDIAMONDDOGx579]

I feel like Thanks to Toma Tongas Bloodline addition to the group, Gallows & Anderson will come back to the main roaster in some storyline, watch(maybe not right away but it has the potential to happen)

[@InedibleSushi]

honestly, i feel like they could give liv the title and lean into the heat she's been getting for injuring rhea. give her a decent heel run with the title until rhea has recovered and then make her come back as a babyface vs heel liv.

[@kingsirvictor]

this might sound crazy but i would throw luke gallows and karl Anderson with Cm Punk and could possibly build up match with punk vs styles

[@kevinallen1428]

I have always loved Liv. She had the best performance of her career at the Royal Rumble that Rhea won. I'm all for the Revenge tour! Can't wait to see who steps up. I think it's on a sliver platter for Liv and LA Knight.

[@carlyj8775]

I'm not the biggest fan of Rhea Ripley, but I agree, if she returns within the next three months then it's BS they took the belt from here. We protect Seth for storyline purposes, right? What's it matter if Rhea doesn't defend her belt every month? She could probably knock someone out with a big boot and get a quick win or maybe one of the women want to join JD, so they attack whoever she's about to wrestle, so it's an easy win. I love Karl Anderson. I wish the boys would get more. The boys being Gallows and Anderson. I know it's been a few years, and, like I really started liking these guys when they did the podcast/show/whatever it was with Jericho. They were so drunk... LOL I think it was Carlito's dad? I don't remember, but Karl was doing some gimmick where he was a masked wrestler or something doing crazy moves. They had Enzo on the show with them, that's how long ago this was...lol I wanted to see Gallows and Anderson beat the Wolf Dogs if the Wolf Dogs had to be beat.

[@robertreams1231]

I think the reason for giving up the belt is to give other women a chance to shine while she’s away. The men’s division is already strong and it wasn’t needed to give it up, but to have the women’s belt away for months at a time wouldn’t be good for the division. Plus, the men have more belts than the women.

[@carlyj8775]

@@robertreams1231 The same argument can be made for guys like LA Knight, Drew, and Priest. Remember when Becky was champion, but left, because she was about to have a baby? They automatically converted the MITB case into the title. That could have been DP's match at Mania vs Drew. There was storyline there for the match if you remember going back to Survivor Series. Seth was cleared for Mania, sure, but he wrestled Hunter I think several years ago coming off an injury.

[@eddymartin5146]

It’s hard to criticise Liv when her main feud during her title run was with ronda, who no one looks good with cause she can’t wrestle

[@escotheg00n]

They have to give Liv the Alexa Bliss push and not make her seem like a pushover. It's now or never.

[@michaelmartinez3893]

Yes 💯

[@TylerAForti]

Yeah, but Liv still wrestles in that weird ass diva style that's more catfight than wrestling. Unless they sharpen her skills and doesn't scream every five seconds like a harpy Liv will be good

[@pokehybridtrainer]

More brawling. Lean on a heel mentality to be so desperate that she is flipped.

[@CLPicasso]

@@TylerAFortiremember Victoria? There’s ways to bring her along she wasn’t the best but did her job well

[@michaelmartinez3893]

Liv should get the belt for now. But i can see Shayna Baszler potentially stepping up. She's be my pick as for who can step up.

[@gbej1]

LOL what?? She has already been champion and she sucked at it! She has no defined in ring character, she’s got little likability factor, she’s got no charisma. WWE have tried their hardest to push her at the expense of others and she’s still not appear as a top tear performer. She is clearly a nice person in real life but WWE is about entertainment and she is not particular good at entertaining.

[@robnix4146]

I've been waiting for years for Naomi or Shayna to be Raw Women's Champion

[@OFFICIALDAHULK]

My brain would melt if wwe somehow brought in bullet club like how Vince brought in nwo, lol

[@scotland9922]

low-key prob very few people.. liv can become a heel if creative see that..but last year were waiting for someone to burst out in 23 like rhea did in 22 but no one really did…...see how the nxt call ups go

[@hubert2063]

Great new character for Liv. She has a touch of Harley Quinn in her

[@ItApproaches]

Knock off Alexa Bliss.

[@hm015m]

Like Alexa Bliss

[@MeatSim64]

Not entirely original.

[@RAZGR1Z]

"new character" LOL

[@sbest6565]

I feel like Liv should have gotten the Harley Quinn character in the first place. It really suits her but they gave it to Alexa Bliss.

[@TheOuttaPocketVarietyShow]

Before this injury, I was thinking they should delay Rhea vs Jade for another year so Jade can get better in the ring. With this injury, especially if she's out for 3 months or more, you may have to start building that asap. Liv isn't a draw. Especially given the new crop of talent in right now that fans already wanna see face Rhea.

[@DaewoOoOoOoOo]

No one wants to see Rhea.

[@adamburke4738]

@@DaewoOoOoOoOo😂😂 you clearly don’t watch the product

[@DaewoOoOoOoOo]

@@adamburke4738 You are correct I don't and it's because of her. Now that she's hurt and her stink is not all over the product, maybe I'll watch again.

[@adamburke4738]

@@DaewoOoOoOoOo nice work, you just agreed that you’re a clown

[@DamnWhoAsked]

“Liv isn’t a draw.” Can’t wait to see her make ya’ll look like fools for the next few months, lol. A heel champion run for Liv could be generational if Triple H can tell a good story.

[@ronstasYoutube]

She's going to be so effing over now it'll be insane.

[@ghostofyou6468]

some are injured and some deserved to take vacation for working almost two years

[@miguelg9497]

Well 1. Triple H said it’s a new era which is probably why she gave it up considering they will crown a new champ this week. Maybe they think it will be 6 months or say it’s 6 months and she comes back and cost Liv the title.

[@kokocaptainqc]

wreslting is the only tv show where every actor is trying to become the main character

[@marlenacharles5864]

I think it's good she is talking a break. lnjuries suck, but there really isn't anyone that can challenge Rhea right now. Charlotte and Bianca are the only ones that could conceivably beat her, and Charlotte is injured and Bianca is doing the tag team thing. They need to find opponents for her that can wrestle, promo, and are physically intimidating (or an underdog that can fight from underneath). Becky fits the bill as well if they prolong the feud while Rhea is injured. lts good for rhea and for the rest of the ladies. lt opens a space for someone to step up and make a name for themselves.

[@MrXbloodline]

Daughter and I think it's a work she's been working alot and it's vacation time without losing belt the set up for liv. Think about it she ran thru the roster, and Jade isn't ready yet. Now they get a few months to build other new and old into something more to face Rhea

[@SmilingCorgi-is2tx]

Raquel could make a big comeback aswell Liv and Raquel both have had attacks from Rhea and could fight between them for the belt

[@tog4867]

I think Liv not only deserves a title run but has EARNED it!!!

[@eduardo100792]

Given that the bloodline is going thru a civil war, could we possibly get Ava Raine to join the bloodline during the Draft. She joins raw and wins the women’s title thanks to Solo. Now the bloodline is younger and hungrier and if solo can beat Damien Priest now the new bloodline hold both titles

[@RiceCooker-ge2te]

If it wasn’t for the OG/AJ Styles Bullet Club AEW would not exist

[@stevenrussellhaime6626]

Like the aces and eights beanie bully still heel on the pod

[@goby1764]

Thought this was a work injury but maybe not. Weird considering it's now a way to write her off tv

[@PAPERBOYPRINCE107]

LIV IS A BEAST IN THE RING SHE GOES THU TABLES CHAIRS AND LADDERS OH MY!

[@ghostofyou6468]

hope karl anderson has a push

[@dj1mic]

Tony Khan needs to back up the brinks truck and give bully a large bag to take the book in AEW. His brain for booking with that roster? $$$$

[@billyburleson6238]

Wwe better take advantage of heel liv morgan and put the title on her ... definitely agree with bully if wwe doesn't do it ....

[@adam-yk6yd]

Liv should definitely muscle in on dom. Dom hasn’t had any wins lately - she could interfere in his matches on his behalf to win him over, and the betrayal could give Priest an opportunity to turn heel by refusing to accept Liv’s membership of JD

[@IIVIIRRIIVII]

When did Rhea get hurt?

[@vibeonthemix1992]

Why is bubba ray not on creative?

[@SharpFitnessLook]

And when will we see bully back in the ring ?

[@anxofmyown]

Cane Dewey.

[@shaunhittle6414]

They should have lived chase after dom and after a month someone gets a video of dom and liv hugging and rhea sees this dom would become a bigger heel rhea would be super baby face and liv would be a monster the writing g is on the wall do it hhh

[@SasukesSharingan.]

People act like Roman's reign as tribal chief wasent GREAT and he didn't have a 30 day rule ...the rivalries with edge daniel bryan sami zayn he made it memorable

[@PaulieWalnuts0]

I think Rhea signed with aldis behind JDs back, and the injury is a work, and the only thing that makes me think that is because she's super over. Why wouldn't they keep her on tv to do the talking for JD? Just a theory dont bite my head off.

[@dom19945]

I know we’re trying to find silver linings here, but Rhea’s popularity didn’t even peak during this first major run. 99.9% of the fanbase wasn’t hoping for her absence. It seems like people were happy to see her as much as possible. Of course, that return pop will be crazy, but it definitely feels bad. No way around it.

[@johndrake2729]

Maybe Sami Zayn will vacate his title next week after what Chad Gable did to him ... I hope.

[@videostoreclerks]

Bully Ray has a lot of good points about Rhea. Good way to get her out of Judgment Day, epic return,… it still sucks tho. I’m a huge Rhea fan so… still sucks lol

[@SwabySean1]

Based on what Liv just said it seemed like WWE was gonna do a double turn anyway

[@johnaaltonen1039]

Drew is making CM Puke look half way good. Never have seen CM Puke anywhere near top. He was pushed and truly didn't live up to being pushed

[@DattNinjaa]

Damn it I thought that was Eminem 🎤

[@Joepo76]

Im your Mami now!!! I salivate at the idea of this version of Liv. Hope it happens

[@dimaztri19]

Should've put the belt on Liv on RAW after Mania right away

[@DamnWhoAsked]

Hope they do next week. It would elevate her heel run even more.

[@northleedspoppa]

God no , it makes belt look ridiculous to put it on Liv

[@dimaztri19]

@@northleedspoppa Rhea never put anyone over. Should've put Liv over in her way out. it's better for their storyline going forward

[@ItApproaches]

Liv is just an Alexa Bliss knockoff.

[@DamnWhoAsked]

@@ItApproachesThey are nothing alike character wise, lol. Stop it.

[@r0gue2dred786]

Dom pulls Dom.Pulls lol

[@jarodphillips1738]

I will say its gonna be hard to get people to hate liv morgan more than nia jax.

[@jeremeybuckley]

Several people will be retiring and returning in next couple of years. WWE has years worth of stories left.

[@erichammer8434]

Brother me softly!!

[@shanestephens4728]

Love me some (Hot) Karl Anderson 🤘🏼🤘🏼 too sweet me, Hoot!!

[@PAPERBOYPRINCE107]

With the soldout houses 🏘 that wwe has right now its the best time for LIV TO SHINE!

[@b0nkert0ns7]

Door is wide open for Tiffy Time. Looking forward to seeing how the rosters shake out. I just hope they actually keep them separate from one another.

[@joserojas8691]

WWE need to change part of interference a lot. Every match costs the title be won by cheating or interference because many fan don't understand how businesses work or storyline because they got to comfortable. Romen holding that title like no one could bite him down

[@mikeportnoy7622]

HHH giving wrestlers on the shelf for years chance to prove their worth.

[@weedman0824]

After raw immediately saw Liv winning the belt or defending her belt at summerslam (since it should be 3 to 4 months away) and as soon as Liv wins and is exhausted...Rheas music hits And beats the LIVING shit outta her 😂

[@johndrake2729]

Just make sure that Liv doesn't have enough energy to run away first.

[@weedman0824]

@johndrake2729 it could be like a fatal 4 way or something where she's like dead in the water exhausted ina sense so Rhea has a chance to get her own revenge tour lol

[@earthmandan6484]

What if Liz gets in Finn and big head and separates the judgment day

[@iamthurnis745]

god im a sucker for a good justified heel

[@kenchidester7702]

380 days is a pretty long title run but it sucks that LIV injured her but when she comes back Rhea is going to destroy liv then get her championship back that she never lost

[@taz5573]

Wait until we see the return of uncle howdy bo Dallas, Alexa Bliss and possibly Eric Rowan the new Wyatt family and possibly someone else and the return of punks wife AJ Lee. Let's go

[@ItApproaches]

Punk said AJ Lee doesn't want to come back.

[@JohnWilson-cv4yw]

Hell they could have just put the damn thing back n Becky

[@scooby9703]

She going to have a stone cold pop