Triple H gives the specifics on the decision-making regarding Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair taking place at WrestleMania 36.
On a post-NXT TakeOver: Portland media conference call, Triple H spoke about who made the call to try and put that match for the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania. Triple H would go on to say that he was actually shocked to see that idea being thrown around that USA Network, which broadcasts both Raw and NXT, was not involved in the decision.
As Triple H understood, it was a decision made by Vince McMahon to make that match. Triple H would go on to elaborate on that decision, saying it was something fresh since Flair already has had her battles with Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley.
"Actually, USA Network had no involvement in it at all. To be honest, it was shocking to me when it was first mentioned to me. I believe that this was just a decision from Vince's part on understanding the other stories for the women. To me, you have opportunities where you look in a moment in time and ask is Charlotte going after Bayley and Sasha Banks [on SmackDown], does she come after Becky Lynch [on Raw]. You've seen that before and we're looking into something fresh and you see that with Shayna Baszler going after Becky Lynch and you see that in different ways on SmackDown with where they're going. So this was a way for Charlotte Flair needing to be in that big, epic role. I think it really had nothing more to do with that. It's good storytelling and that's what the goal is here, good storytelling across the board," Triple H said.
After Ripley successfully defended her NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: Portland by beating Bianca Belair, Flair rushed to the ring and attacked Ripley. Once Ripley was on the mat after being ambushed by Flair, the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion announced that she has selected Ripley as her opponent for WrestleMania 36.
WrestleMania 36 is set to take place on April 5 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The full media call can be heard in the video at the top of the page. If you use any of the quotes above, please credit Fightful for the transcription.
