Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, involving Andrade and Rhea Ripley.
• The return to WWE of Andrade El Idolo (fka Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas) and his decision to sign with Monday Night RAW have sparked enthusiasm among fans. His notable presence in the Men’s Royal Rumble match has only heightened the anticipation. In connection to this, Andrade has revealed the reasons behind his preference for RAW over SmackDown.
WWE chose to generate excitement around Andrade El Idolo’s comeback by featuring a video package on the previous episode of Monday Night RAW. Naturally, this fueled fans’ anticipation about what the company had planned for him.
During an interview on La Previa de WWE, Andrade provided insights into his decision to join Monday Night RAW instead of Friday Night SmackDown. He mentioned a desire to collaborate with different personalities and highlighted the limited representation of Latinos on the RAW roster as contributing factors:
“Well, there were many things. One of them was because there are a lot of Mexicans and Latinos on the SmackDown roster, which I respect and is great, and there aren’t many Latinos on the RAW roster if you think about it. Many people asked me why I didn’t come with Garza, Humberto, or Zelina (Vega), they’re amazing superstars, they’re from Mexico, they’re great, and they have a history.
I’ve already faced Garza, I’ve already faced Humberto, I’ve already faced (Rey) Mysterio, and I was with Zelina for a while. I’ve faced Carlito. I’ve seen enough of Mexico against Mexico. There are hardly any Latinos and Mexicans on RAW. That was a part of my decision, that was the most important thing.”
According to reports from PWInsider, an interesting development is on the horizon as Andrade is expected to undergo a character shift to become a babyface on RAW. This marks a noteworthy departure from his previous heel persona.
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• Rhea Ripley, the reigning Women’s World Champion for nearly a year, is set to face Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40 following Lynch’s victory in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match.
After retaining her title against Nia Jax at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event in Perth, Australia, Ripley expressed her belief that her clash with Lynch deserves to be the main event at WrestleMania 40, during an interview with Daily Mail.
Here’s what she had to say:
“I mean, Mami already main evented her WrestleMania. So, why not do the next one as well? I think Becky Lynch and I stepping into the ring at Mania is main event-worthy. I really do.
The last time we faced each other was in NXT leading up to Survivor Series and WarGames, that was Mami’s time to shine.
And, it’s still Mami’s time to shine because Mami is always on top. And, I’ve proved that time and time again. So, if we are given the opportunity, if we take the opportunity to be the main event, I hope Becky Lynch is ready.”
