The wrestling world witnessed one of 2024’s most unexpected moments when Liv Morgan made her surprise return at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames. Her shocking involvement helped Dominik Mysterio capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship from John Cena in a finish nobody saw coming. While Morgan’s early comeback defied medical predictions, Rhea Ripley says her rival’s deceptive tactics were entirely predictable.
Mami Reflects on the Chaos at WarGames
Speaking to ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Rhea Ripley revealed her genuine shock while watching the Cena vs. Mysterio showdown unfold. The former Women’s World Champion found herself experiencing the drama like any other viewer in the arena.
“It was wild. I don’t even know how to describe the emotions that I was feeling because I was kind of just watching it in awe and kind of like a fan. I was like, ‘Is this real? Is this actually happening? What is happening?’”
Ripley’s initial confusion turned to understanding once she witnessed Morgan’s calculated deception play out in real time. The moment proved to be a masterclass in psychological warfare that even surprised the veteran performer.
The Art of Deception: How Morgan Fooled Everyone
Morgan’s return strategy showcased the cunning that has defined her recent character evolution. Her mid-match entrance created immediate uncertainty about her true intentions, especially given her complicated history with Mysterio.
The slap heard around the wrestling world initially suggested Morgan had turned against her on-screen boyfriend. When she embraced Cena with what appeared to be genuine joy, even seasoned observers believed they were witnessing a face turn.
However, Morgan’s facial expression told the real story. Her smile morphed into something far more sinister before she delivered the decisive low blow and title belt strike that sealed Cena’s fate.
Ripley Recognizes the Game Plan
Despite their rivalry, Ripley demonstrated deep respect for Morgan’s tactical brilliance during the championship match. She pinpointed the exact moment when the outcome became inevitable.
“Then Liv obviously slapped Dom. I was like maybe she’s seen everything that he’s been doing with Roxanne [Perez] and The Judgment Day, but then once she changed her face expression, I knew it was over for John Cena in that point in time because I know how tactical Liv and Dom can be and how slimy they are.”
Beating the Medical Timeline
Morgan’s appearance shocked WWE officials as much as the audience. Originally sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in June, company projections had her returning in early 2026.
Her ahead-of-schedule comeback demonstrates the unpredictable nature of injury recovery in professional wrestling. Morgan’s determination to return for such a pivotal storyline moment speaks to her commitment to her character’s development.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for Mysterio’s championship aspirations, providing the extra edge needed to overcome a legend like Cena.
The Finishing Sequence That Shocked the World
Following Morgan’s devastating interference, Mysterio capitalized with his signature offense. The combination of the 619 and Frog Splash proved enough to pin the 16-time World Champion and claim his first Intercontinental Championship.
Ripley acknowledged the inevitability of the outcome once Morgan revealed her true allegiance, noting that even Cena couldn’t have prepared for such elaborate deception.
“I knew right then and there that they had that in the bag. You just got to throw your hands up in the air and go, ‘Oh well.’ I guess John Cena didn’t see that coming.”
What This Means Moving Forward
Morgan’s return and Mysterio’s championship victory create intriguing possibilities for WWE’s programming. Their partnership appears stronger than ever, with Morgan proving her loyalty in the most decisive way possible.
For Ripley, watching her rivals succeed through such calculated means must sting. Her candid analysis reveals both frustration and grudging admiration for their tactical approach.
With Liv Morgan back in action ahead of schedule and Dominik Mysterio now holding championship gold, the landscape of WWE has shifted dramatically. The question remains: how will Mami respond to watching her greatest rivals outsmart one of wrestling’s biggest legends, and what does this mean for her own championship pursuits in 2025?