Ever since her dominant rise in WWE Rhea Ripley has often been compared to Hall of Famer Chyna.
The similarities between the two are obvious. Their size, physique, and attitude are comparable, and then when you add in the fact they both play/played commanding roles in their respective factions it seems as though they are kindred spirits.
Chyna made an immediate impact upon debuting in 1997 as the bodyguard for Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Her role as protector expanded when she joined D-Generation X alongside Triple H and Shawn Michaels. As the Ninth Wonder of the World, she broke down barriers and shattered glass ceilings by dominating multiple members of the roster both male and female. She went on to become the Women’s Champion and the first and only ever woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.
Ripley has had a similar career path, although before she joined the Judgement Day she was already an established wrestler having won multiple titles. Since joining the faction her star has risen massively and she has become a major part of WWE programming.
Someone who has worked closely with both trial blazers is Shawn Michaels and he spoke to Sportskeeda WrestleBinge and broke down the comparisons between the two stand-out performers.
Chyna was one of the rare and unique people. I think she changed the face of women’s wrestling in a big way. I guess I’ll always kind of be biased in respect to Chyna. I mean, I think she was just unlike any others before. But look, Rhea is absolutely one of my favorites.
Shawn Michaels Worked Closely With Both Chyna And Rhea Ripley In WWE
During his run as the leader of DX, HBK was closely affiliated with Chyna, and as a member of the team behind NXT, Michaels worked with Ripley during her ascent to superstardom.
He then went on to praise Ripley and her meteoric rise in WWE before reflecting on Chyna’s contributions to women’s wrestling.
I knew it from the day I walked into NXT that you could see that she was something special. and, you know, wanting to do everything that I could to be a part of her career. I mean, when she started out with us in NXT UK, man, I’m just telling you, you could see her grow. You could see her confidence grow and watch her evolve and just turn it into a fantastic performer and then came over here to NXT and continued that ascension. So I’m not surprised one bit at her success on the main roster.
She’s still so very young. So, look, she’s gonna surpass certainly, again, respectfully, anything that Chyna accomplished, but I don’t think that’ll ever, you know, take away from what Joanie contributed to the WWE and the sport in general.
H/t to WrestlingNews.co