The brutal rivalry between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzalez changed the trajectory of the WWE NXT women's division forever. When these two powerhouses collided in the black-and-gold brand, they didn't just wrestle; they redefined physical storytelling by trading heavy blows and setting a new standard for intense matches. Their iconic collisions—culminating in a career-defining Last Woman Standing match—proved that women's wrestling could main-event any card purely on raw impact and high stakes.
Long before they dominated the main roster as global superstars, their paths crossed in a feud rooted in size, power, and fierce competition. If you want to understand how Gonzalez cemented her status as a top-tier threat and how Ripley prepared for her eventual dominance on Raw and SmackDown, examining their foundational NXT battles tells the whole story.
Building the Heat: From Allies to Bitter Rivals
Every great wrestling feud needs a compelling backstory, and the animosity between Ripley and Gonzalez grew from a shared history. Early in their developmental days, they crossed paths as contemporaries trying to break through. However, alliance quickly dissolved as Gonzalez aligned herself with Dakota Kai, positioning herself as the imposing enforcer of the locker room.
Ripley, already a former NXT Women's Champion, stood as the ultimate gatekeeper of the brand. When Gonzalez interfered in championship matches and laid waste to the roster, Ripley stepped up to check her ego. This friction sparked an immediate reaction from fans who realized they were watching two generational athletes on a collision course.
The Spark at Halloween Havoc
Their first major singles showdown took place at NXT Halloween Havoc in October 2020. The encounter showcased a clash of styles where neither competitor could easily gain a permanent advantage. Ripley relied on her veteran composure and strike-heavy offense, while Gonzalez used her sheer frame and power moves to ground the Australian star.
While Dakota Kai attempted to tilt the scales, Ripley persevered, securing a hard-fought victory that proved she could handle Gonzalez's raw strength. Yet, rather than settling the score, the loss only fueled Gonzalez's rage, setting the stage for an even more violent sequel.
The Explosive Finale: Last Woman Standing at New Year's Evil
The rivalry reached its absolute peak on January 6, 2021, at NXT New Year's Evil. Booked as a Last Woman Standing match, the stipulation stripped away all rules and allowed both competitors to utilize the entire arena.
- The Entrance Ramp Chaos: Gonzalez launched Ripley off the stage down a flight of stairs in one of the most wince-inducing spots of the night.
- Backstage Destruction: Ripley retaliated by driving Gonzalez face-first through multiple glass doors and tossing her into storage lockers.
- The Table Spot: Scaling a set of production lockers, Ripley launched herself onto Gonzalez to crash through a heavy wooden table.
Interference from Dakota Kai threatened to ruin Ripley's momentum near the finish, but the climax belonged entirely to Gonzalez's devastating power. In the final sequence, Gonzalez drove Ripley through part of the entrance ramp structure. As the referee administered the ten-count, Ripley failed to answer, handing Gonzalez the biggest victory of her career.
Why This Feud Mattered for the Women's Division
Looking back, the program between Ripley and Gonzalez served multiple strategic purposes for WWE's developmental ecosystem:
- Elevating New Talent: The feud instantly established Gonzalez as a main-event monster capable of carrying the brand. Following this win, Gonzalez captured the NXT Women's Championship.
- Transitioning the Guard: With Ripley dropping the match, the door opened for her permanent transition to the main roster, where she would soon win the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
- Redefining Stipulations: They proved that a stipulation match in the women's division didn't need to rely on gimmicks; it could feature legitimate, bone-rattling offense that equaled or surpassed the men's matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Last Woman Standing match between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzalez?
Raquel Gonzalez won the match at NXT New Year's Evil in January 2021 after putting Ripley through a portion of the entrance ramp and beating the referee's ten-count.
Are Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzalez friends in real life?
Yes, despite their brutal on-screen rivalries in both NXT and later on the main roster, the two athletes share a close friendship behind the scenes.
Did Rhea Ripley and Raquel Gonzalez face each other after NXT?
Yes, their rivalry extended past their developmental days, with both competitors locking horns in multi-person tags and singles matches after moving to the main roster.
What championship did Raquel Gonzalez win after this feud?
Shortly after defeating Ripley, Gonzalez earned a title shot and dethroned Io Shirai to win the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.
