WWE Raw fans witnessed a dramatic and controversial ending to the October 16th main event, as tension erupted within The Judgment Day faction. The match, which saw Damian Priest and Finn Bálor battling Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes, ended in defeat for the Judgment Day duo. However, what happened after the match left fans buzzing: Damian Priest, the towering “Punishment” of the group, openly blamed Rhea Ripley for the loss, shouting, “That was your fault!” into the microphone.
While WWE has thrived on faction-based storytelling for years, the sudden internal rift within The Judgment Day has ignited speculation about the future of the group. As fans and analysts weigh in, questions arise: Is the faction imploding? And is WWE sabotaging one of its hottest storylines by inserting unnecessary drama? More importantly, could this development harm Rhea Ripley’s skyrocketing career?
The Rise of The Judgment Day
Formed in early 2022, The Judgment Day quickly became one of WWE’s most powerful and feared factions. With the leadership of Hall of Famer Edge, the group initially presented itself as a gothic, nihilistic force seeking to dominate WWE. After Edge was ousted in a storyline twist, the group evolved into an even more sinister alliance, led by Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and later, Dominik Mysterio. The dynamic between these four superstars propelled The Judgment Day to numerous victories and title reigns, with each member playing a unique role.
Rhea Ripley, the reigning Women’s World Champion, has arguably been the breakout star of the group. Her dominant presence both inside and outside the ring, coupled with her undeniable chemistry with Dominik Mysterio, has made her a fan favorite—even in her villainous role. However, this newfound conflict with Priest could jeopardize the faction’s future and her dominant run in WWE.
What Really Happened on WWE Raw?
In the main event of WWE Raw, Priest and Bálor were tasked with defending the honor of The Judgment Day against Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. From the beginning, tensions ran high, with multiple interferences from members of The Judgment Day, including Rhea Ripley. Despite their best efforts, Priest and Bálor failed to secure the win, leading to Priest’s outburst.
But here’s where things get interesting. In the post-match chaos, Priest laid the blame squarely on Ripley’s shoulders, accusing her of causing the defeat. “That was your fault!” Priest shouted, clearly venting his frustration. The statement stunned fans and fellow Judgment Day members alike, especially given Ripley’s prominence and leadership within the faction.
This moment raises serious questions: Was this a scripted part of the storyline, or did Priest’s frustrations stem from real-life tensions within the group? Either way, it signals potential fractures within the Judgment Day, fractures that could have significant consequences for WWE’s long-term booking plans.
Is Rhea Ripley the Real Leader?
In recent months, many WWE fans and insiders have argued that Rhea Ripley has assumed an unofficial leadership role within The Judgment Day. Her strong presence, combined with her constant interference and decision-making in the group’s matches, suggests that Ripley is the one pulling the strings. Even Damian Priest, who holds the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase, has been seen deferring to her at key moments.
This newfound power, however, might be causing internal strife. Priest’s outburst on Raw indicates that not everyone in The Judgment Day is happy with Ripley’s dominant role. While the faction has thrived under her influence, Priest’s frustrations might hint at a brewing power struggle. If this tension escalates, it could lead to The Judgment Day’s implosion—especially if WWE creative decides to turn Priest or Ripley against the group.
This scenario presents an interesting dilemma: If The Judgment Day is truly on the verge of collapse, what does that mean for Rhea Ripley? Could WWE’s hottest faction implode because of Ripley’s growing influence, and if so, will WWE risk sabotaging one of its most compelling storylines?
### The Impact on Rhea Ripley’s Career
For Rhea Ripley, this developing storyline could either solidify her status as a WWE megastar or derail her momentum. On one hand, if WWE creative uses this conflict to push Ripley as the unquestioned leader of The Judgment Day, it could elevate her even further. She has already proven herself as one of the most dominant forces in the women’s division, and a storyline where she outmaneuvers her male counterparts could make her a true trailblazer.
On the other hand, if this internal strife leads to the downfall of The Judgment Day, Ripley could be left without the safety net that the faction provides. Her association with the group has helped enhance her character, adding layers of menace and charisma to her already impressive in-ring skills. A split could leave her isolated, and while she is more than capable of standing on her own, WWE’s creative team would need to handle such a transition carefully.
Is WWE Overcomplicating The Judgment Day’s Storyline?
Critics have raised concerns that WWE might be overcomplicating what has been a successful storyline with unnecessary drama. The Judgment Day has thrived because of its cohesion and the unique dynamics between its members. Introducing conflict, especially between Priest and Ripley, could derail the group’s momentum.
Faction storylines are often tricky to navigate. When done correctly, internal drama can lead to memorable feuds and rivalries. However, WWE has a history of mishandling faction breakups, often leading to underwhelming payoffs and disappointing outcomes. Fans have already expressed concern that the tension between Priest and Ripley could lead to a rushed and ill-timed dissolution of the group.
What’s Next for The Judgment Day?
As WWE moves forward with this storyline, the key question is whether The Judgment Day can survive this internal strife. Will Damian Priest’s frustrations continue to grow, leading to a full-blown rebellion against Rhea Ripley? Or will cooler heads prevail, allowing the group to refocus and maintain its dominance on Raw?
For fans, the prospect of a Judgment Day implosion is both exciting and worrisome. On one hand, it could lead to explosive matches and shocking betrayals. On the other hand, it risks dismantling one of WWE’s most successful factions just as it reaches its peak.
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Damian Priest’s outburst on WWE Raw has set the stage for some major developments in the weeks to come. Whether Rhea Ripley will remain at the helm of The Judgment Day—or find herself facing off against her former allies—remains to be seen.