WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently praised a recent WWE Raw main event, calling it the best match he has witnessed in over six weeks. The bout in question was the intense clash between Rhea Ripley and Asuka, which featured high drama, physicality, and surprising twists that captivated fans and insiders alike.
The Match That Captivated Kevin Nash
During a recent commentary on WWE programming, Kevin Nash highlighted the Raw main event between Asuka and Rhea Ripley as a standout performance. He was particularly impressed by how the match ended and the storytelling involved. Nash noted:
“Closing credits rolling, Paul’s [Triple H’s] name with Rhea sitting there with the Kabuki spray on her, and the carnage and everything—I thought that match was the best match I’ve seen in, I’ll say, six weeks.”[1]
This endorsement from Nash, a veteran of countless wrestling battles, underscores the quality of this encounter, standing out amid what some consider a creatively uneven period for WWE programming.
Match Details: Drama and Chaos Inside the Ring
The encounter between Ripley and Asuka was a rollercoaster. It concluded in dramatic fashion when Rhea Ripley rolled up Asuka for the three-count after an accidental interference where Asuka knocked Kairi Sane off the ring apron. Immediately following the finish, chaos erupted as Asuka sprayed green Poison Mist into Ripley’s face, blinding her, and later teamed up with Kairi Sane to viciously attack IYO SKY—Ripley’s ally.[1][3]
This post-match chaos not only added layers to the storyline but also set up exciting future story arcs involving betrayals and alliances within the women’s division.
Backstage Reaction and Creative Direction
Sources close to WWE’s creative team indicated there is growing confidence in Ripley and the developing factional storylines involving Asuka, Kairi Sane, and IYO SKY. According to a WWE insider:
“Rhea has become a centerpiece of the women’s evolution on Raw. The recent match and ensuing segments have energized creative, and there’s a concerted effort to build around her toughness and intensity.”[1]
However, Kevin Nash also expressed some reservations about how WWE is portraying other female characters, specifically questioning the booking of AJ Lee and Bayley’s “mentally unstable” personas on the same show, indicating a need for more nuanced character development.[1]
Setting the Stage for WWE Crown Jewel
The fallout from Ripley’s match with Asuka has played a crucial role in the buildup to WWE’s upcoming Crown Jewel event in Australia. After the attacks and alliances formed on Raw, it was officially announced that Ripley and IYO SKY would team up to take on the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) at Crown Jewel on October 11, 2025.[2]
This tag team match has generated excitement as it merges personal vendettas with championship aspirations, positioning Ripley as a top star in WWE’s women’s division heading into a major pay-per-view.
Rhea Ripley: WWE’s Rising Star
Kevin Nash’s praise of the Ripley vs. Asuka match highlights WWE’s investment in Ripley as a leading figure. Comparisons have even been made to how WWE protected and glorified stars like Cody Rhodes during their rise. Nash suggested that WWE should similarly protect and elevate Ripley to solidify her status, stating:
“They’ve got something special with Ripley and need to build her the right way, like they did with Rhodes.”[1]
Ripley’s combination of power, intensity, and charisma has made her a fan favorite and a reliable main-eventer on Raw, with many insiders predicting her to become a perennial champion.
The Women’s Division Storyline: Alliances and Betrayal
The developments stemming from this match have contributed to a rich narrative within the women’s division. Following the Raw episode, IYO SKY and Ripley confronted the ongoing tension with Asuka and Kairi Sane. SKY had initially hesitated about battling her former faction but ultimately sided with Ripley after Asuka’s betrayal.[2][5]
This inner turmoil has been one of the key driving forces for the women’s division storylines, providing compelling television and intriguing character arcs as Crown Jewel approaches.
Why This Match Resonated
Several elements made the Ripley vs. Asuka contest memorable:
- Physical Intensity: Both women displayed hard-hitting offense and resilience.
- Storytelling: The finish and aftermath incorporated key narrative elements—betrayal, surprise, and emotional stakes.
- Character Work: The contrast between Ripley’s raw power and Asuka’s veteran craftiness added depth.
- Fan Engagement: The post-match chaos kept viewers eagerly anticipating what’s next.
It is this combination that led a wrestling legend like Nash to single it out amidst weeks of WWE programming.
Looking Ahead: WWE’s Women’s Division on a High
With Kevin Nash’s endorsement adding credibility, the Ripley vs. Asuka match serves as a benchmark for WWE’s women’s division quality. As WWE builds towards major events like Crown Jewel, the momentum behind Ripley and her allies could signal a bright future amid a competitive roster.
Supporting this, a WWE official revealed backstage that Ripley is “being groomed as a true franchise player,” a sign that WWE intends to feature her heavily in upcoming storylines and pay-per-views.[1]
Kevin Nash’s praise for the Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka match is a strong indicator that WWE’s women’s division can still deliver top-tier, must-watch wrestling. If the company continues to build around stars like Ripley with coherent storytelling combined with impactful matches, the division’s future looks very promising.