The Game-Changer: Rhea Ripley Revolutionizes WWE 2K24 by Shattering Traditions

The WWE has a rich history of talented female superstars, and while they don't always receive the same level of attention as their male counterparts, it's impossible to overlook their modern talent. Superstars like Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and many others are at the top of their game in the WWE female division. With WWE 2K24 on the horizon, it's the perfect opportunity to showcase the very best, starting with Rhea Ripley. While neither publisher 2K nor developer Visual Concepts have made any official announcements about the game, it's a safe assumption.

Rhea Ripley not only deserves to have her own cover on WWE 2K24, becoming the first solo female superstar to achieve this honor (following Becky Lynch's appearance alongside Roman Reigns on WWE 2K20), but she should also receive a rare 99 Overall Rating. That's just a glimpse of what Mami is capable of.

WWE 2K24's Rhea Ripley is a Record Breaker

The selection process for choosing a WWE game cover star involves undisclosed behind-the-scenes decisions, but popularity among fans is a significant factor. In the case of WWE 2K22, Rey Mysterio was chosen, while John Cena was selected for WWE 2K23. This decision seems to indicate that the developer aims to feature established, albeit still active, legends. However, Rhea's rising fame suggests that she is on her way to becoming a bonafide star. Selecting her now would be a proactive move, as more talented individuals join WWE. Rhea's prowess in the ring, her ability to portray her character, her contribution to The Judgment Day, and her role in elevating Dominik Mysterio as a heel all make strong arguments for her inclusion. While Becky Lynch was the first woman to appear on a WWE 2K cover, earning a 96 rating in WWE 2K23, Rhea has demonstrated notable dominance in WWE, particularly since her involvement with The Judgment Day. In WWE 2K23, she holds the highest rating among The Judgment Day members at 90, with the potential for further improvement. Her ascent and success as the Women's World champion will undoubtedly lead to an even higher rating, possibly reaching a 99. Rhea's journey to WrestleMania began with a remarkable performance in the Women's Royal Rumble match, lasting an impressive 61 minutes and 8 seconds as the first entrant to win the match. She has consistently broken records, and her role and rating in WWE 2K24 should reflect her accomplishments accordingly.

If Rhea Ripley were to grace the cover of WWE 2K24, it's highly likely that the Showcase Mode would be linked to her as well. While the WWE 2K franchise history suggests that the cover star doesn't necessarily have to be featured in the Showcase Mode, considering that both WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23 have done so, it stands to reason that WWE 2K24 will likely follow suit. Despite the challenge of showcasing active talent with limited history, Ripley has participated in numerous memorable matches, particularly during The Judgment Day and her time on NXT, which presents an exciting opportunity for a "Road to Mami" storyline within her matches. Additionally, WWE 2K23 cleverly addresses the issue of playing as the same superstar by allowing players to assume the role of whoever defeated Cena. Similarly, some of Rhea's matches could be discussed from her perspective while being played by a different member of The Judgment Day.

While no means exhaustive, some great matches for her Showcase could be:

WarGames Match (NXT TakeOver 2019)

Rhea Ripley vs. Piper Niven (2019)

Raquel Gonzalez vs. Rhea Ripley (NXT Halloween Havoc, 2020)

Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania 37, 2021) (This follows her debut on Raw)

Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania Backlash 2021

The Judgment Day (Edge, Damian Priest, Ripley) vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor, and Liv Morgan.

A playable Royal Rumble styled after her 2023 win.

Ripley and Balor vs. Edge and Phoenix (Elimination Chamber, 2023)

Ripley vs. Flair (WrestleMania 39, 2023)

Aside from the matches mentioned earlier, it would also be intriguing to experience the matches where she made her presence felt. For instance, it would be exceptional to take control of her character during her pivotal moments in helping Balor and Priest secure the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at Payback, where she delivered a powerful spear to Kevin Owens through a table. Regardless, her relatively short history with WWE showcases immense potential.

Rhea Ripley currently holds the title of WWE Women's World Champion and has achieved several impressive accolades. She stands as the seventh Women's Triple Crown winner, the fifth Women's Grand Slam champion, and the youngest Grand Slam champion in WWE history. Not only has she effectively led Judgment Day, but she has also played a significant role in shaping contemporary WWE storytelling. It is undeniable that Rhea Ripley deserves to be the first female superstar to grace the cover of a WWE 2K game on her own. Additionally, if any female roster superstar deserves a 99 Overall Rating, it is undoubtedly Rhea Ripley. It feels like a matter of "when" and not "if" she will be featured on the cover of a game, whether it is WWE 2K24 or a future installment.

WWE 2K24 is confirmed to be in development.