A beloved WWE name, who jokingly refers to herself as being Rhea Ripley’s “ex,” returned to RAW this week in a backstage segment. After missing the previous edition of the show, Cathy Kelley made a low-key return on Monday night.
Kelley and Ripley share a very close relationship and are often clicked goofing around backstage. Cathy Kelley has even referred to herself as Mami’s “ex” on social media on several occasions. Buddy Matthews, Ripley’s husband, is also a witness to their bond and is sometimes a witness to their hilarious shenanigans.
Kelley was curiously absent from last week’s episode of RAW. However, she made her return tonight on the red brand, where she conducted a backstage interview with World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee.
Cathy back on Monday Night Raw just feels right. It’s like an early Christmas gift 🎄 @catherinekelley pic.twitter.com/EdxOGWkolM
— Devon(MET RHEA 6X) #Day1Mosher (@rheamoshpit) December 23, 2025
Could Cathy Kelley transition to an in-ring role in WWE?
Considering Cathy Kelley has been a part of WWE for years, many believe the natural next step might be for her to assume an on-screen managerial role or even possibly transition to being a wrestler. Some reports earlier this year even suggested that Kelley was undergoing training at the Performance Center.
Vince Russo said on The Wrestling Outlaws that he was in favor of seeing Kelley take the plunge. Russo explained that when one is involved in the wrestling business, it only makes sense for them to eventually make the transition.
“I’m with you, bro. I always said, man, if you’re around a wrestling ring, you’re going to get involved. Sooner or later you’re going to get involved. So, no problem. If it’s what she wants to do, go for it,” Russo said.
Kelley is arguably the best in all of WWE in her role as a backstage interviewer, and only time will tell if she wants to explore other facets of the business.
