Charlotte Flair Vs. Rhea Ripley: WrestleMania 36 Showdown

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36: A Detailed Look

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into one of the most anticipated matches from WrestleMania 36: Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley. This wasn't just any match; it was a clash of generations, a battle for the NXT Women's Championship, and a showcase of the incredible talent both women possess. This match, which took place in the unique setting of the WWE Performance Center due to the pandemic, had a lot riding on it. And believe me, it delivered! This article is going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this epic encounter.

The Build-Up: A Story of Respect and Domination

Leading up to WrestleMania 36, the storyline between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley was a masterclass in professional wrestling storytelling. It wasn't just about two wrestlers fighting for a title; it was about the established queen of the wrestling world, Charlotte, challenging the up-and-coming, dominant force, Rhea Ripley, who had been crushing it in NXT. The way WWE built this feud was fantastic, focusing on the respect both women had for each other, but also the burning desire to prove who was the best.

Rhea Ripley's Momentum: Rhea was on an absolute tear in NXT. She had dethroned Shayna Baszler to win the NXT Women's Championship and was the dominant force on the brand. Her aura of invincibility was strong, and she had the look and the attitude of a true champion. She was a fresh face, a new era of wrestling, and the fans were eating it up. This gave her a lot of momentum coming into WrestleMania. This all made her a major threat, and her confidence was through the roof.
Charlotte Flair's Strategy: Charlotte, being the veteran, knew exactly what she was doing. She understood the psychology of wrestling and how to manipulate a situation to her advantage. Her goal was to challenge Rhea for the NXT Women's Championship, which many saw as a surprising move, especially since she was already established on the main roster. By doing this, she was able to insert herself into NXT, a place where many believed she didn't belong. This move allowed her to showcase her incredible ability to adapt and excel, no matter the circumstances.

The build-up also involved some fantastic promos and in-ring segments. Both Charlotte and Rhea are excellent talkers, and they were able to convey their emotions and intentions perfectly. The tension was palpable, and the anticipation for the match just kept growing. The promos were intense and personal. Charlotte used her experience to try to get in Rhea's head. Rhea, on the other hand, was not intimidated and used her youth and aggressive style to try to put Charlotte off her game. Every week, they upped the stakes, making the clash even more intriguing.

Key Moments Before WrestleMania 36

Several key moments during the build-up really stood out and helped to build anticipation. One of the most memorable was when Charlotte Flair made her intentions clear about challenging Rhea Ripley. This unexpected move really set the wrestling world on fire. Another was when they both had a physical confrontation on NXT. This highlighted the intensity of the rivalry and showed the audience that they were willing to go to war with each other. The contrast between Flair's poise and Ripley's raw aggression was a great dynamic. Finally, there were many fantastic promos. All of these moments really built the foundation for an unforgettable match at WrestleMania.

The Match: A WrestleMania Classic

When the bell rang at WrestleMania 36, it was clear that Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley was going to be something special. The match was expertly paced, with both wrestlers showcasing their skills and telling a compelling story. The match wasn't just about the moves; it was about the struggle, the emotions, and the desire to win. This is what made it a true WrestleMania classic. The match told a story of dominance and resilience.

Early Exchanges: The match began with a feeling-out process. Both women tested each other's strength and strategy. Charlotte and Rhea traded holds and strikes, with each trying to gain the upper hand. These early exchanges set the tone for the rest of the match. Charlotte's experience was immediately evident. She was composed and calculating, while Ripley showed a lot of her raw power and aggressive style.
Mid-Match Momentum Swings: The match saw several momentum swings. At one point, Rhea Ripley seemed to have control, hitting Charlotte with some brutal offense. But Charlotte is a survivor, and she always finds a way to come back. These changes in momentum kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The ebb and flow of the match was a masterclass in storytelling. The back-and-forth action kept everyone guessing.
The Finish: The finish of the match was decisive and impactful. Charlotte Flair managed to lock in the Figure Eight leglock, forcing Rhea Ripley to tap out. This made Charlotte the new NXT Women's Champion. It was a perfect ending to a great match, with Charlotte solidifying her status as the queen and Rhea, even in defeat, proving her worth. The way they told the story of the match was amazing.

The Crowd Reaction

The crowd reaction was mixed, which is always interesting in wrestling. Because it was the height of the pandemic, there was no live audience in attendance. Instead, the match was performed at the WWE Performance Center. However, even without a live crowd, the match still resonated with viewers at home. Wrestling fans around the world were buzzing about it on social media. Many people were surprised by the result. This definitely added to the match's significance, and everyone saw the match as a major turning point.

Aftermath and Legacy

After WrestleMania 36, the impact of Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley was felt throughout the wrestling world. It had a lasting effect on both women's careers and left a legacy that continues to resonate today. The outcome of the match, and the match itself, played a significant role in elevating both wrestlers to new heights in their respective careers.

Charlotte Flair's Reign: Charlotte's victory gave her another title to add to her already impressive resume, but it also sparked controversy. Many felt that a main roster talent shouldn't win the NXT title, while others enjoyed seeing Charlotte's domination. Her reign as NXT Women's Champion gave her a chance to work with a new set of opponents and further showcase her in-ring skills. Her matches in NXT were some of the best of her career.
Rhea Ripley's Resilience: Despite the loss, Rhea Ripley showed incredible resilience. She proved that she belonged in the main event of WrestleMania. After this match, her star continued to rise. She solidified her reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the wrestling world. Although she didn't win, she proved her worth and gained the respect of many fans. She also learned a lot from the match. This experience would help her as she moved forward in her career.
The Match's Lasting Impact: This match remains a point of conversation among wrestling fans. It's often cited as one of the best matches of WrestleMania 36. It served as a reminder that the WWE Performance Center could still produce amazing matches, even without a live audience. This match gave us a reminder that a well-told story, coupled with great wrestling, can create a lasting impact on fans.

The Importance of the Match

The match between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36 was important for several reasons. It was a battle for the NXT Women's Championship, and it showcased the talent of both women on the biggest stage in professional wrestling. The match also helped elevate the NXT brand. It was a great example of excellent wrestling. It showed that the WWE Performance Center could still deliver in the pandemic. It helped cement the legacies of both women.

Conclusion: A WrestleMania Moment to Remember

In conclusion, Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36 was more than just a match; it was a moment. It was a contest that highlighted the best aspects of professional wrestling: great storytelling, incredible in-ring action, and the ability to captivate an audience, even without a live crowd. It solidified Charlotte Flair's status as a dominant force and showcased Rhea Ripley's potential to become a future megastar. This match is a reminder of how impactful wrestling can be.

Both Charlotte and Rhea brought their A-game to the ring, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. If you're a wrestling fan, and you haven't watched this match, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It's a true classic! So, next time you're looking for a great wrestling match, remember the name: Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 36. You won't be disappointed!

I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into this incredible match! Let me know what you thought in the comments. Who did you think would win? What was your favorite moment? And, as always, keep on wrestling, guys!