Rhea Ripley reveals iconic new tattoo forward of SmackDown

Rhea Ripley revealed an iconic new tattoo ahead of tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown. This week’s edition of the blue brand will air live from the Amerant Bank Arena in Florida.

Ripley took to her Instagram story to share her new thigh tattoo ahead of this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown. She reposted the tattoo artist’s image of her new ink and claimed that she was the best. You can check out the new tattoo in the image below.

“The best of the best!” wrote Ripley.

Ripley and IYO SKY are the reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bayley called out the champions ahead of SmackDown and suggested that they were avoiding defending the titles against her and Lyra Valkyria. The Eradicator responded to Bayley’s comments ahead of tonight’s show.

Former WWE writer criticizes Rhea Ripley’s character change

Wrestling legend Vince Russo recently called out Rhea Ripley for her character change.

Speaking on Vince Russo’s The Brand, the veteran questioned the company’s creative team for the changes made to Ripley’s character. He claimed that the champion is no longer feared by stars on the roster and is more invested in her friendship with IYO SKY.

“What is Rhea Ripley doing with her character? She went from Mami and gothic and the big foot stomp and the big bada*s to like she’s in love with her girlfriend. Like constantly hugging IYO SKY and rubbing heads and smiling. Do you think somebody literally said to Ripley, ‘You need to change your character?’ Because I don’t get it. She’s not feared anymore. There’s no goth feeling,” Russo said.

Sky and Ripley won the Women’s Tag Team Championships by defeating The Kabuki Warriors last month on WWE RAW. Ripley also qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match at the PLE on February 28 by defeating Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria in a Triple Threat bout earlier this month on the red brand. It will be fascinating to see if Ripley can win the Women’s Elimination Chamber match to earn a title shot at WWE WrestleMania 42.