User blog comment:Zolnir/RWBY Episode 8/General Reviews & Speculations/@comment-2006510-20130907062219

Regarding the Ren bit, I think you read too much into it.

He fought two basilisks, and was fine, and suddenly he's not... obviously, he's been through a lot more to get to that point. And in addition, 1) his normal weapon in all cases was ineffective against the Deathstalker's armor (as was most of their attempts) and 2) getting up close and dangerous to use his Aura was suicidal.

Then you consider it's strength: the Deathstalker rammed through a small opening of a cave like it was made of paper or something. If something with that amount of strength slammed you into a wall, you wouldn't be getting up so easily, Aura or not.

But more than that, the only reason he appears weak is because of comparsion (Nora, duh) :) All things considered, he did pretty well as could be expected for his niche (and I think it's good to show that despite being powerful, these characters CAN be hurt, and they're not invincible)