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Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley
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Demi Bennett (born 11 October 1996)[3] is an Australian professional wrestler. As of July 2017, she is signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Rhea Ripley. She is a two-time Women's World Champion and a one-time WWE Raw Women's Champion. Regarded as one of the best female wrestlers in the world due to her popularity and in-ring ability, her first reign as Women's World Champion is tied with Bayley as the longest in the title's history at 380 days.[4]

Key Information

After competing on the independent circuit under her real name since 2013, Ripley joined WWE and participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic in 2017. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 edition of the tournament, she was part of the original roster of NXT UK, becoming the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion in August 2018. After a run on the NXT brand from 2019 to 2021, which saw her win the NXT Women's Championship and become the brand's first member to defend an NXT title at WrestleMania, WWE's flagship event, she was promoted to the main roster on Raw where she joined The Judgment Day in 2022.

In addition to the NXT UK Women's Championship and NXT Women's Championship, she is a former one-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion (with Nikki A.S.H.). After winning the SmackDown Women's Championship in April 2023—which was renamed as Women's World Championship that June—she became the seventh WWE Women's Triple Crown Champion and fifth WWE Women's Grand Slam Champion, as well as the only wrestler to have held all five of these titles. She is also the first female Australian champion in WWE history. Ripley was the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble winner, becoming the fourth wrestler and the first woman to win a Royal Rumble match as the number one entrant.

Early life

[edit]

Demi Bennett was born on 11 October 1996 in Adelaide, South Australia.[3][5] She is of Italian descent through her mother's side.[6] Bennett grew up in the beachside Adelaide suburb of Glenelg and attended Henley High School throughout her teenage years.[7]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (2013–2017)

[edit]

Bennett debuted in Riot City Wrestling on 22 June 2013 at the age of 16.[8] She spent several years in the promotion, where she became a two-time RCW Women's Champion.[5] Bennett made her New Horizon Pro Wrestling debut on 24 May 2014 during the opening night of the NHPW Global Conflict where she joined the Global Conflict Tournament. She was eliminated during the first round of the tournament by Mercedes Martinez.[9] She returned for the second night of the NHPW Global Conflict event, competing in a four-way mixed tag team match paired with Garry Schmidt.[9] Six months later, Bennett was part of the opening night of the NHPW Final Chapter event, wrestling a four-way match against Madison Eagles, Evie and Saraya Knight for the vacant IndyGurlz Australia Championship, but was unsuccessful.[9]

Bennett made her Melbourne City Wrestling debut on 14 June 2014 at MCW New Horizons where she defended the RCW Women's Championship in a three-way match against Savannah Summers and Toni Storm.[10] On 9 August at MCW Clash Of The Titans, Bennett defeated Miami to retain her championship.[11] On 22 April 2017, Bennett wrestled her last RCW match at RCW Strength where she successfully defended the title against Kellyanne.[12]

From April to June 2015, Bennett toured Japan, wrestling for Pro Wrestling Zero1, Reina Joshi Puroresu, Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling, and World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana. She wrestled the first bout of her tour on April 5 at Diana's 4th Anniversary Show in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, losing to Kyoko Kimura, and the last match of her tour on June 23, defeating Konami in a bout for Reina in Tokyo.[13]

WWE (2017–present)

[edit]

Mae Young Classic (2017–2018)

[edit]

In 2017, Bennett signed with WWE, and it was announced that she would compete in the inaugural Mae Young Classic under the new name "Rhea Ripley".[14] Bennett came up with the ring name while mixing and matching possible names, settling on Rhea from the Greek goddess of the same name, and Ripley after Ellen Ripley from the Alien film franchise.[15] She defeated Miranda Salinas in the first round but lost to Dakota Kai in the second round.[16][17] Ripley made her NXT television debut on 25 October 2017 episode of NXT, participating in a battle royal to determine one of the contenders for the vacant NXT Women's Championship at TakeOver: WarGames on 18 November, which was won by Nikki Cross.[18] Sporting a new look, Ripley competed in the 2018 Mae Young Classic, displaying a new aggressive and disrespectful attitude. She defeated MJ Jenkins, Kacy Catanzaro, and Tegan Nox in her first three matches but lost to Io Shirai in the semi-finals.[19][20]

Inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion (2018–2019)

[edit]
Ripley in April 2019

Shortly after the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Ripley became part of the NXT UK brand as part of the premiere of the newly created NXT UK show. During the television tapings of the show in August (that aired throughout November), Ripley took part in an eight-woman tournament to determine the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion.[21] She defeated Xia Brookside in the first round, Dakota Kai in the semi-finals, and Toni Storm in the finals to become the inaugural champion.[22][23][24][25] With the win, Ripley became the first female Australian champion in WWE history and the second Australian champion after Buddy Murphy.[26] Ripley also competed in a dark match before the first ever all women's pay–per–view, Evolution, on 28 October, where she successfully defended her title against Kai (due to the tournament having yet to air at the time, she was not yet recognized on-screen as champion).[27] Throughout her reign, Ripley went on to fend off title contenders such as Isla Dawn and Deonna Purrazzo.[28][29]

On 12 January 2019 at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, Ripley lost the title to Storm, ending her reign at 139 days and marking her first defeat in the brand.[30] At Royal Rumble on 27 January, Ripley made her first appearance on a main roster pay-per-view by entering the women's Royal Rumble match at number 24, eliminating Kacy Catanzaro, Dana Brooke, and Zelina Vega before being eliminated by Bayley.[31] Afterwards, Ripley feuded with the debuting Piper Niven for the remainder of the year over which one was the most dominant woman in the NXT UK roster. The two traded victories with each other before teaming up after Ripley saved Niven from an attack by Jazzy Gabert and Jinny, whom they defeated in a tag team match on 4 October.[32][33][34] Ripley wrestled her last match in the brand on 5 October 2019 tapings of NXT UK, defeating Nina Samuels.[35]

NXT Women's Champion (2019–2021)

[edit]
Ripley performing her signature hand gesture in September 2019

On 28 August 2019 episode of NXT, Ripley made her surprise return to the brand when she interrupted NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler, stating that Baszler may have beaten everyone on NXT, but not her, turning face and beginning a feud between the two in the process.[36] In parallel to her feud against Baszler, on 1 November episode of SmackDown, Ripley and Tegan Nox were one of the many NXT wrestlers to invade the show, challenging Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville to a tag team match which Ripley and Nox won. Later that night, Ripley joined Triple H and the rest of the NXT roster as they declared war on both Raw and SmackDown, and vowed to win the 2019 Survivor Series brand warfare.[37] As part of the ongoing storyline, she defeated both Raw's Charlotte Flair and SmackDown's Sasha Banks in a triple threat match on 22 November episode of SmackDown.[38]

At TakeOver: WarGames on 23 November, Ripley led Team Ripley in the first ever women's WarGames match against Team Baszler (Baszler, Io Shirai, Bianca Belair, and NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray); despite teammate Dakota Kai turning heel and attacking Nox before the two entered the match, leaving Ripley and Candice LeRae in a de facto two-on-four handicap match, Ripley gave her team the victory by pinning Baszler.[39] The following night at Survivor Series, Ripley was part of Team NXT, who defeated Team Raw and Team SmackDown, and the leader of her team in the 5-on-5-on-5 women's elimination match, which her team won after she last eliminated SmackDown captain Sasha Banks, with she, LeRae and Shirai as the survivors.[40]

On 18 December episode of NXT, Ripley defeated Baszler to win the NXT Women's Championship, making her the first person to have won both the NXT Women's and NXT UK Women's Championships.[41][42] She then successfully defended the title against Toni Storm on 25 January 2020 at Worlds Collide.[43]

Ripley appeared on 3 February 2020 episode of Raw, confronting Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair and suggesting that Flair should use her Royal Rumble title opportunity to challenge Ripley for the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36.[38] Flair appeared on the following episode of NXT to give her answer, but was interrupted by both Bianca Belair and Ripley, with the two attacking Flair.[44] At TakeOver: Portland on 16 February, Ripley successfully defended the title against Belair; after the match she was attacked by Flair, who accepted Ripley's challenge.[45] Ripley lost the title to Flair on Night 2 of WrestleMania 36 on 5 April, after which she took a hiatus from WWE and returned to Australia due to her visa issues.[46][47] Ripley returned on 6 May episode of NXT, attacking Flair after she got herself disqualified in an NXT Women's Championship match against Shirai.[48] On 7 June at TakeOver: In Your House, Ripley and Flair both lost to Shirai in a triple threat match for the NXT Women's Championship.[49] Ripley also failed to win the title from Shirai on 18 November episode of NXT.[50]

On 6 December at NXT TakeOver: WarGames, Ripley was a part of Shotzi Blackheart's team alongside Shirai and Ember Moon for the second ever women's WarGames match, but they lost to LeRae, Dakota Kai, Raquel González and Toni Storm.[51][52] At New Year's Evil on 6 January 2021, Ripley lost to González in a Last Woman Standing match, which was her final match in NXT.[53] On 31 January, at Royal Rumble, Ripley entered the titular match at number 14 and scored 7 eliminations but was the last competitor eliminated by eventual winner Bianca Belair.[54]

Raw Women's Champion (2021–2022)

[edit]

On 22 February episode of Raw, a video package aired hyping up Ripley's arrival to the brand.[55] Ripley made her main roster debut on 22 March episode of Raw, challenging Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania 37.[56][57] At Night 2 of WrestleMania 37 on 11 April, Ripley defeated Asuka to win the title.[58] On the following episode of Raw, Ripley defended the title in a rematch against Asuka, which ended in a no-contest after interference from Charlotte Flair, who attacked both Asuka and Ripley.[59] On 3 May episode of Raw, a rematch between Ripley and Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship was scheduled for WrestleMania Backlash on 16 May, but WWE official Sonya Deville added Flair to the match to make it a triple threat match; Ripley retained the title by pinning Asuka.[60][61] At Hell in a Cell on 20 June, Flair defeated Ripley by disqualification, thus Ripley retained her title.[62] At Money in the Bank on 18 July, Ripley dropped the title to Flair, ending her reign at 98 days.[63] She failed to regain the title in a triple threat match against the champion Nikki A. S. H. and Flair at SummerSlam on 21 August.[64]

On 20 September episode of Raw, Ripley and A. S. H. defeated Natalya and Tamina to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.[65] They successfully defended the titles in a rematch on 4 October episode of Raw[66] before losing them to Carmella and Queen Zelina on 22 November episode of Raw, ending their reign at 63 days.[67] Their partnership ended on 10 January 2022 episode of Raw when A. S. H. attacked Ripley.[68] At Royal Rumble on 29 January, Ripley entered at number 16, eliminating Zelina, Carmella, and Ivory before being eliminated by Flair.[69] She then competed in the women's Elimination Chamber match at the titular event on 19 February, eliminating A. S. H. before being eliminated by Belair.[70]

In March, Ripley began teaming with Liv Morgan, challenging for the titles in a fatal four-way tag team match on Night 2 of WrestleMania 38 on 3 April in a losing effort.[71][72] After failing to win the titles from new champions Sasha Banks and Naomi on 18 April episode of Raw, Ripley attacked Morgan, ending their partnership and turning heel.[73]

The Judgment Day and Grand Slam Champion (2022–2024)

[edit]

At WrestleMania Backlash on 8 May, Ripley cost AJ Styles his match against Edge and was revealed as a member of The Judgment Day.[74] At Hell in a Cell on 5 June, The Judgment Day (Edge, Damian Priest, and Ripley) defeated Styles, Finn Bálor, and Liv Morgan in a six-person mixed tag team match.[75] The next night on Raw, Edge introduced Bálor as the newest member of The Judgment Day; Bálor, Priest, and Ripley suddenly attacked Edge, kicking him out of the stable.[76] Later that night, Ripley won a fatal four-way match to become the number one contender for Bianca Belair's Raw Women's Championship at Money in the Bank on 2 July.[77][78] However, she was pulled out of the match after being not medically cleared to compete and was replaced by Carmella.[79]

The stable feuded with the Mysterios (Rey and Dominik) in an attempt to recruit Dominik into their ranks.[80][81][82] After Dominik turned heel at Clash at the Castle on 3 September by attacking Edge and Rey, joining The Judgment Day, he took on a gimmick mirroring Eddie Guerrero's Latino Heat while together with Ripley, with Ripley calling herself Dominik's "Mami".[83] On 8 October, at Extreme Rules, Dominik, Priest, and Ripley helped Bálor defeat Edge in an "I Quit" match. After the match, Ripley attacked Edge's wife, Beth Phoenix, with a con-chair-to.[84] During the stable's feud with The O.C. (Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson), The O.C. introduced the returning Mia Yim as their solution to counter Ripley.[85] Ripley would temporarily ally herself with Damage CTRL in the leadup to Survivor Series WarGames on 26 November after Yim had joined the opposing team, but Ripley's team lost to Yim's team in a WarGames match after Becky Lynch pinned Dakota Kai.[86][87] On the following episode of Raw, The Judgment Day defeated The O.C. in an eight-person mixed tag team match, ending their feud.[88]

Ripley with the WWE Women's World Championship in April 2024

At the Royal Rumble on 28 January 2023, Ripley appeared at ringside during the men's Royal Rumble match to assist her stablemates in their attack on Edge, only to be speared by Phoenix. Later that night, Ripley won the women's Royal Rumble match as the first entrant by last eliminating Liv Morgan, who entered the match at number 2. With this victory, Ripley became the fourth wrestler (after Shawn Michaels in 1995, Chris Benoit in 2004, and Edge in 2021) and the first woman to win the Royal Rumble as the first entrant. She also spent the longest time in a women's Royal Rumble match at 1:01:08; Morgan was officially recorded as lasting one second less.[89] On the following episode of Raw, Ripley declared that she would challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 39.[90] On Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 on 1 April, Ripley defeated Flair to win the title. With this win, Ripley became the seventh Women's Triple Crown champion, the fifth Women's Grand Slam champion, and the youngest grand slam champion (male or female) in WWE history at 26.[91]

At Backlash on 6 May, Ripley successfully defended the SmackDown Women's Championship in her first title defense against Zelina Vega.[92] At Night of Champions on 27 May, Ripley retained the title against Natalya in a squash match that lasted 70 seconds.[93] On 12 June episode of Raw, the SmackDown Women's Championship was renamed to the Women's World Championship and Ripley was presented a brand-new championship belt.[94] On 3 July episode of Raw, Ripley defeated Natalya once again to retain the title.[95] At Payback on 2 September, Ripley helped Bálor and Priest win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship after spearing Kevin Owens through the barricade. Later that night, Ripley retained her title against Raquel Rodriguez after a distraction from Dominik.[96] On 11 September episode of Raw, Ripley defeated Rodriguez in a rematch to retain the title after interference from the returning Nia Jax, who attacked Ripley after the match.[97] At Crown Jewel on 4 November, Ripley defeated Jax, Rodriguez, Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler, who Ripley pinned, to retain her title in a fatal five-way match.[98] At Survivor Series WarGames on 25 November, Ripley defeated Stark to retain her title.[99]

At Day 1 on 1 January 2024, Ripley defeated Ivy Nile to retain the title.[100] On 24 February, at Elimination Chamber: Perth in her home country of Australia, Ripley successfully defended her title against Jax in the main event.[101] On Night 1 of WrestleMania XL on 6 April, Ripley defeated Becky Lynch to retain the title.[102]

Feud with Liv Morgan and Judgment Day's betrayal (2024–2025)

[edit]

On 8 April episode of Raw, Ripley was attacked in a backstage segment by Liv Morgan, during which Ripley legitimately injured her right arm and was forced to vacate the championship the following week, ending her reign at 380 days, tying Bayley's record as the longest-reigning Women's World Champion.[103][104] During Ripley's absence, the storyline continued when Morgan began seducing Dominik, who resisted Morgan's efforts, but accidentally helped her win the Women's World Championship from Lynch at King and Queen of the Ring.[105] Morgan also began interfering in The Judgment Day's matches to their advantage.[106] After a three-month hiatus, Ripley returned on 8 July episode of Raw, confronting Morgan and Dominik.[107]

Ripley (left) with Damian Priest in August 2024

At SummerSlam on 3 August, Ripley was unsuccessful in regaining the title from Morgan after interference from Dominik, giving Ripley her first pinfall loss since May 2022. After the match, Dominik turned on Ripley and kissed Morgan, ending their partnership and fully turning Ripley face.[108] On the following episode of Raw, Bálor officially kicked Priest and Ripley out of the group, and followed up with the introduction of the "new" Judgment Day, consisting of himself, Dominik, JD McDonagh, and the new additions of both Carlito (who became an associate member of the group during Ripley's hiatus now an official member) and Morgan. Later that night, during Priest's match against McDonagh, he was ambushed by Bálor and the rest of The Judgment Day, until Ripley came out to save him. Priest and Ripley would afterwards embrace each other, staying together as a team and going by their unofficial tag team name, The Terror Twins.[109] At Bash in Berlin on 31 August, Ripley and Priest defeated Mysterio and Morgan despite interference from The Judgment Day, with Ripley pinning Morgan.[110] At Bad Blood on 5 October, Ripley defeated Morgan by disqualification after being attacked by the returning Raquel Rodriguez. However, since championships do not change hands via disqualification or countout unless otherwise stipulated, Morgan remained champion.[111]

On 29 October episode of NXT, Ripley was attacked by Morgan and Rodriguez in the WWE Performance Center parking lot.[112] This was reportedly done to write her off television due to a legitimate orbital bone injury suffered the previous week; the injury was announced by WWE the next day and attributed in storyline to the attack.[113][114] On 18 November episode of Raw, Ripley made a surprise return wearing a protective face shield, challenging the opposition to a WarGames match.[115] At Survivor Series WarGames on 30 November, Ripley, Bianca Belair, Bayley, Iyo Sky and Naomi defeated Morgan, Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae in a WarGames match, with Ripley pinning Morgan.[116]

Women's World Champion and various feuds (2025–present)

[edit]

At the Raw premiere on Netflix on 6 January 2025, Ripley defeated Morgan to win the Women's World Championship for the second time despite interference from Dominik and Rodriguez, ending their feud.[117] At Saturday Night's Main Event on 25 January, Ripley defeated Jax to retain the title.[118] On 3 March episode of Raw, Ripley lost the title to Sky after being distracted by the Elimination Chamber match winner Belair, ending her second reign at 56 days.[119] On 31 March episode of Raw, Ripley unsuccessfully challenged Sky for the title in a rematch with Belair as the special guest referee, but the match ended in a double disqualification. On Night 2 of WrestleMania 41, Ripley failed to regain the title from Sky in a critically acclaimed triple threat match also involving Belair, whom Sky pinned.[120] Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter rated the match five stars, making it the first women’s match in WWE history to receive such a rating.[121]

On 19 May episode of Raw, Ripley defeated Kairi Sane and Zoey Stark in a triple threat match to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match at the namesake event,[122] which was won by Naomi.[123] At Evolution on 13 July, Ripley failed to win the title from Sky after Naomi successfully cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase late in the match.[124] On Night 2 of SummerSlam on 3 August, Ripley challenged Naomi for the title in a triple threat match also involving Sky in a losing effort.[125]

Other media

[edit]

Bennett made her video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K20[126] and subsequently in WWE 2K Battlegrounds,[127] WWE 2K22[128] and WWE 2K23.[129] Bennett is the cover star for the deluxe edition of WWE 2K24 alongside Bianca Belair.[130] Bennett also appears in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III as an unlockable operator within the Season 5 battle pass, part of a larger WWE promotion in the game.[131]

Personal life

[edit]

Bennett cites watching The Miz as an inspiration growing up.[132] In addition to wrestling, Bennett is also trained in or practices swimming, karate, rugby, netball, and soccer.[14][133] She is a supporter of the Adelaide Football Club.[134]

As of 2022, she has been in a relationship with fellow Australian wrestler Matthew Adams, known professionally as Buddy Matthews.[135] In August 2023, Bennett and Adams got engaged, and in June 2024, they married.[136][137]

Bennett is a fan of the bands Ice Nine Kills, Falling in Reverse and Motionless in White,[138][139] the latter of which co-wrote her WWE theme song "Demon In Your Dreams"[140] and performed the song live for Bennett's entrance at WrestleMania XL.[141]

Filmography

[edit]
Video game appearances
Year Title Role Notes
2019 WWE 2K20 Herself
2021 WWE 2K Battlegrounds Herself
2022 WWE 2K22 Herself
2023 WWE 2K23 Herself
2024 WWE 2K24 Herself
2024 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Herself [142]
2025 WWE 2K25 Herself

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Ripley is a two-time and joint-longest reigning Women's World Champion.
Ripley is a former one-time NXT Women's Champion.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rhea Ripley is the of Demi Bennett, an Australian professional wrestler currently signed to , where she performs on the Raw brand as one of the promotion's top female stars, regarded as one of the best female wrestlers in the world due to her popularity and in-ring ability. Born on October 11, 1996, in , , Ripley stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 137 pounds, known for her aggressive, powerhouse style that combines strength, agility, and technical prowess. Ripley began her professional wrestling career in 2013 at the age of 16, debuting in the Australian independent promotion (RCW), where she quickly rose to prominence as a two-time RCW Women's Champion. After establishing herself on the indie scene in promotions like RCW and Pro Wrestling Women's Alliance, she signed with in 2017, initially competing in the brand. Her early appearances included the inaugural Classic tournament in 2017, where she reached the quarterfinals, and her official debut later that year. In , she made history by winning the inaugural tournament in 2018, defeating in the final to become the first champion and holding the title for 139 days. Transitioning to the NXT brand in the United States, Ripley captured the in December 2019 by defeating , marking her as a dominant force in WWE's developmental system with a that lasted until April 2020. She made her main roster debut on the February 3, 2020, episode of Raw, challenging and aligning herself as a top contender. Ripley's ascent continued with her entry into the 2021 Women's , where she was the runner-up, and her victory in the 2023 Women's , eliminating 7 competitors to earn a WrestleMania title shot. At in 2021, she won the Raw Women's Championship from Asuka in her first main roster title match, holding it for 98 days. She later became a WWE Women's Tag Team Champion alongside Nikki A.S.H. in September 2021, showcasing her versatility in faction and tag team dynamics. Ripley achieved further milestones on the main roster, including winning the SmackDown Women's Championship at in 2023 by defeating , ending Flair's reign and solidifying her as a Grand Slam Champion. She captured the Women's twice—first in April 2023 with a record-tying 380-day reign that ended in April 2024, and again on January 6, 2025, defeating on Raw for a 56-day run that concluded in March 2025. During her career, Ripley was a key member of the stable from 2022, where she adopted the nickname "Mami" and formed the "Terror Twins" with . The group experienced internal betrayals involving and in 2024, but remains active as of January 2026, though Ripley is no longer a member. As of January 2026, Ripley remains an active competitor on Raw, having recently teamed with to defeat The Kabuki Warriors on the January 5, 2026 episode of Raw to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, with recent matches including a singles bout against Asuka on December 22, 2025, while continuing to be recognized for her contributions to women's wrestling, including nominations for awards like the South Australian Woman of the Year in 2024. Her in-ring arsenal features signature moves like the Riptide and Prism Trap submission, and she is noted for her intimidating presence and character work that has elevated her to main event status. Ripley's accomplishments make her a triple crown champion and one of WWE's most decorated female performers.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Demi Bennett, known professionally as Rhea Ripley, was born on October 11, 1996, in , . She grew up in the beachside suburb of Glenelg, where she experienced a supportive environment that shaped her early years. Ripley's heritage includes Italian descent through her mother, Anna Bennett, a homemaker originally from . Her father, Peter Bennett, also from , provided strong encouragement and guidance throughout her childhood, fostering a close bond within the household. The dynamics were marked by mutual support, with Ripley sharing her home with her younger sister, Calista Bennett, in this coastal setting. As a child, Ripley was initially exposed to professional wrestling by watching on television, particularly inspired by matches featuring , which ignited her passion for the sport. This early fascination laid the groundwork for her future pursuits in wrestling.

Education and early influences

Demi Bennett, known professionally as Rhea Ripley, attended Henley High School in , , where she balanced her academic studies with emerging interests in athletics and entertainment. Growing up in the beachside suburb of Glenelg provided a local context for her early development, though her passions soon extended beyond regional influences. Ripley's early fandom of began in her teenage years, sparked by watching matches that captivated her imagination. She has cited as a primary influence, admiring his charisma and in-ring versatility as a key factor in her growing obsession with . This enthusiasm for programming laid the groundwork for her personal aspirations, transforming casual viewership into a dedicated pursuit. To build a physical foundation suitable for her ambitions, Ripley engaged in various sports during her school years, including , , rugby, , and soccer, which enhanced her strength, agility, and competitive drive. These activities, combined with informal weight training, helped develop the athletic base that would later support her wrestling endeavors. Around the age of 16 to 17, shortly after completing high school, Ripley made the decisive step to pursue , being invited to a tryout in but unable to participate due to her age, marking her transition from fan to aspiring competitor. This period solidified her commitment, as she began seeking formal opportunities in the industry despite her youth.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2013–2017)

Demi Bennett began her professional wrestling training in 2013 at the Academy in , , after attending local events and participating in tryouts at the age of 16. Inspired by programming she watched growing up, she quickly progressed from setting up rings to in-ring competition within the promotion. Her early efforts focused on building fundamentals in a competitive Australian indie environment, where she honed her athletic style and presence. Bennett made her professional debut on June 22, 2013, for (RCW) at an event held at the Goodwood Saints Football Club in Millswood, , wrestling under her real name against veteran Mischa East in a singles match. Initially performing as Demi Bennett, she adopted the Rhea Ripley by 2015, drawing from her admiration for and a desire for a more intimidating persona. Throughout 2013 and 2014, she competed regularly in RCW's undercard matches, facing local talents and establishing herself as a promising powerhouse competitor. On May 10, 2014, at RCW's City Chicks Unleashed event, Ripley defeated Savannah Summers to capture the RCW Women's Championship, marking her first title win in and beginning a reign that lasted 189 days until she lost it to Harley Wonderland on November 15, 2014. During this period, she successfully defended the championship in several bouts, including a notable three-way defense against local rivals at City Wrestling's on June 14, 2014. Ripley regained the RCW Women's Championship on October 22, 2016, in a three-way match victory over Summers and Quinn Beauregard at an RCW event, holding the title for 182 days until vacating it upon her signing in April 2017; key defenses in this second reign featured intense matches against competitors like Kellyanne and Casey Johns, showcasing her growing dominance. Beyond RCW, Ripley expanded her experience on the Australian independent circuit, performing in promotions such as Professional Wrestling Alliance (PWA) and Southern Championship Wrestling Alliance, where she participated in multi-woman matches and tag team bouts against regional wrestlers from 2014 to 2017. These appearances helped solidify her reputation as a versatile performer capable of carrying women's divisions in smaller shows.

NXT debut and Mae Young Classic (2017–2018)

In 2017, at the age of 20, Rhea Ripley signed a developmental contract with WWE following successful tryouts that built on her independent circuit experience in Australia. As part of the agreement, she relocated from Adelaide to Orlando, Florida, to train full-time at the WWE Performance Center and join the NXT brand. Her first WWE match occurred on August 25, 2017, at an NXT house show in Lakeland, Florida, where she teamed with Ruby Riott and Zeda Zhang in a losing effort against Nikki Cross, Vanessa Borne, and Aliyah. Ripley's official WWE in-ring debut came during the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament, a 32-woman single-elimination event streamed on the . On August 28, 2017, in the first-round match, she defeated Miranda Alize (billed as Miranda Salinas) via pinfall with a full nelson slam after dominating with and strikes. In the quarterfinals on September 12, 2017, she faced and lost by pinfall following a signature kick and small package driver, ending her run in the tournament. Ripley made her NXT television debut on the October 25, 2017, episode, entering a to determine a contender for the vacant ; she was eliminated by . Over the following months, she competed in several NXT house shows and dark matches, showcasing her aggressive brawling style against opponents like Sarah Bridges and Taynara Conti, while building momentum toward opportunities on the UK brand. Ripley returned for the second Mae Young Classic in 2018, advancing further and solidifying her presence on the NXT roster. In the first round on September 5, 2018, she defeated MJ Jenkins via submission with a cloverleaf after a series of suplexes and stomps. She followed this with a second-round victory over on October 3, 2018, securing the win by pinfall with a ripcord clothesline and Riptide . In the quarterfinals on October 17, 2018, Ripley faced , winning by referee stoppage after Nox suffered a legitimate injury during the match, which forced Nox's withdrawal. Her tournament run concluded in the semifinals on October 24, 2018, where she lost to Io Shirai by pinfall following a and package driver, after a hard-fought bout highlighting Ripley's resilience against high-flying offense. During this period, Ripley adopted her "The Nightmare" persona, drawing inspiration from the lyrics of the rock band Motionless in White's song "Another Life," which included the line "I'm the nightmare that will haunt you in the night." This gothic, intimidating character aligned with her physicality and intense promos, emerging prominently during her Classic appearances and early NXT outings as she transitioned toward the division.

NXT UK Women's Championship reign (2018–2019)

Rhea Ripley captured the inaugural on August 26, 2018, during WWE NXT UK tapings in Birmingham, , by defeating in the tournament final. The victory came after Ripley advanced through the bracket, showcasing her aggressive power-based style that had gained momentum from her strong showing in the 2017 Classic. As the first champion, Ripley embodied the NXT UK women's division's emphasis on hard-hitting, technical prowess, quickly establishing herself as a dominant force. Ripley's reign lasted 139 days, during which she made successful defenses on NXT UK television, highlighting her resilience and in-ring intensity. On the December 19, 2018, episode, she retained the title against in a hard-fought match that underscored her ability to overpower agile opponents with signature moves like the Riptide. A week later, on December 26, Ripley defended against , submitting the technically proficient challenger to solidify her status as an unbeatable powerhouse. These victories, along with defenses, demonstrated Ripley's commanding presence, as she fended off challenges from rising stars while building anticipation for major events. Ripley's championship run culminated at NXT UK on January 12, 2019, where she faced in a highly anticipated rematch. The bout, held at the in , , featured intense back-and-forth action that highlighted both competitors' strengths, with Ripley initially dominating through brute force before Storm mounted a comeback. Storm ultimately pinned Ripley to win the title, ending the reign and marking a pivotal moment in 's early women's division storylines. This loss, while closing her UK title tenure, affirmed Ripley's role as a cornerstone talent in 's developmental brands.

NXT Women's Championship reign (2019–2021)

Following her successful tenure as NXT UK Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley transitioned to WWE's primary brand in early 2019, quickly establishing herself as a dominant force in the women's division. Her momentum culminated in captaining Team Ripley to victory over Team Baszler in the inaugural Women's at : WarGames on November 23, 2019, solidifying her position as the top challenger to the . On the December 18, 2019, episode of NXT, Ripley dethroned the dominant in the main event, ending Baszler's 416-day reign with a decisive Riptide to capture the for the first time. Ripley's 108-day title reign showcased her as a powerhouse champion, blending technical prowess with unrelenting aggression. She successfully defended the title against at on January 25, 2020, overcoming Storm's suplex-heavy offense to secure the pinfall victory with her signature Riptide. Later, at : Portland on February 16, 2020, Ripley retained against the athletic in a hard-fought clash, countering Belair's KOD attempt to deliver another Riptide for the win. Ripley's reign concluded dramatically on April 5, 2020, at , where she defended the title against in the night's first-ever women's main event. Despite a valiant performance that pushed Flair to her limits, Ripley submitted to the Figure-Eight leglock, marking Flair's record-tying 14th women's world championship. This historic match elevated Ripley's profile, highlighting her resilience on WWE's grandest stage. After losing the title, Ripley remained a cornerstone of NXT's women's division, engaging in intense feuds that underscored her status as a top star. She inserted herself into the championship picture by challenging Flair and Io Shirai in a triple threat match at on June 7, 2020, but Shirai pinned Flair to claim the title amid the chaos. Ripley then targeted Shirai directly, defeating her in a non-title bout on the May 20, 2020, episode of NXT with a Riptide after a grueling exchange of high-impact moves. Their rivalry peaked on November 18, 2020, when Ripley unsuccessfully challenged Shirai for the in a critically acclaimed main event, with Shirai retaining via a . Ripley's post-title run also featured a heated rivalry with emerging powerhouse Raquel Gonzalez, beginning with mutual eliminations in a No. 1 Contender's and escalating to a brutal Lights Out Match at NXT on October 25, 2020, where Ripley emerged victorious despite Gonzalez's overwhelming strength. The continued into 2021 with a Last Woman Standing Match at NXT New Year's Evil on January 6, 2021, further cementing Ripley's unyielding . These encounters, combined with her consistent main event presence, built Ripley into NXT's premier antagonist, paving the way for her main roster debut on Raw on March 22, 2021.

Main roster call-up and Raw Women's Championship (2021–2022)

Rhea Ripley entered the 2021 Women's Royal Rumble match as the third participant on January 31, representing NXT, and impressed by eliminating several competitors before being the final elimination by winner , solidifying her status as a top prospect for the main roster. Following her strong showing, Ripley made her official Raw debut on the March 22 episode, confronting Raw Women's Champion Asuka and earning a title opportunity at by defeating Asuka in a non-title match. On April 11, 2021, during Night 2 of , Ripley defeated Asuka to win the Raw Women's Championship, marking her first main roster world title and ending Asuka's 231-day reign. Ripley's 98-day championship reign showcased her powerhouse style, including successful defenses against opponents like and a high-profile clash with at Money in the Bank on July 18, 2021, where Flair emerged victorious in the main event. Immediately after that match, however, Nikki A.S.H. cashed in her Money in the Bank contract on the exhausted Flair to capture the title, abruptly concluding Ripley's run as champion. Despite the title loss, Ripley remained a dominant force on Raw and formed an unlikely alliance with Nikki A.S.H. in the summer of 2021, transitioning into competition. On September 20, 2021, during an episode of Raw, the duo defeated champions Natalya and Tamina to win the , beginning a 63-day reign highlighted by their contrasting styles—Ripley's brute strength complementing A.S.H.'s high-flying agility. They defended the titles against teams like and before dropping them to Carmella and Queen Zelina on the November 22 episode of Raw. Following the tag team title loss, Ripley refocused on singles competition, entering a triple threat match for the Raw Women's Championship against Nikki A.S.H. and at on August 21, 2021, where Flair reclaimed the title. Into early 2022, Ripley continued her pursuit of singles gold, feuding with emerging rivals and solidifying her position as a key player on Raw through intense matches that emphasized her resilience and in-ring prowess.

Formation of The Judgment Day and title pursuits (2022–2024)

Following her successful tenure as Raw Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley aligned herself with stable in May 2022. On the May 9 episode of Raw, after assisting Edge in defeating at Backlash the previous weekend, Ripley officially joined the group alongside Edge and , adopting a darker as the faction's enforcer. This integration strengthened 's presence on Raw, with Ripley contributing to their dominant storyline arcs. The faction expanded on the June 6, 2022, episode of Raw when joined , immediately leading to a of their founder, Edge, as Bálor, , and Ripley attacked him, expelling Edge from the group. Under Bálor's leadership, solidified as s, engaging in intense rivalries, including multi-man matches against Edge and Rey Mysterio's allies. Ripley's role evolved to include protecting the group, notably during Dominik Mysterio's coerced association in July 2022 and his full turn and official enlistment in September after betraying his father at at the Castle. These internal dynamics highlighted Ripley's influence, positioning her as a maternal figure to Mysterio while amplifying the stable's manipulative tactics. The Judgment Day's feuds extended to cross-brand conflicts, particularly with , the dominant women's stable on SmackDown. In November 2022 at : , Ripley temporarily allied with (Bayley, , , and ) in the women's match against Belair's team, though the alliance dissolved amid post-match tensions. By early 2023, confrontations escalated, with Ripley interrupting segments on Raw in March, leading to brawls and verbal barbs that underscored the women's division's intensifying rivalries. These encounters, combined with The Judgment Day's ongoing battles against Raw stars like , elevated Ripley's profile as a key antagonist in both factional and individual storylines. Ripley's title pursuits gained momentum in 2023 when she won the women's on January 28, entering as the #1 participant and last-eliminating after 61 minutes, marking the longest Rumble performance by a woman at the time. She chose to challenge SmackDown Women's Champion , culminating in a hard-fought victory on Night 1 of on , where Ripley pinned Flair with her Riptide finisher to claim the title for the first time. This win, supported by The Judgment Day's interference in Flair's preparations, solidified Ripley's status as a top champion. Ripley's 380-day reign as SmackDown Women's Championship—renamed the Women's World Championship on June 12, 2023, following the brand split—saw her defend the title against a series of challengers at premium live events, establishing her as one of 's most dominant female competitors. Notable defenses included submissions over at Backlash in May 2023 and a grueling war with at in August, where Ripley retained via Riptide after 25 minutes. She also overcame at in August 2023 and in a brutal no-disqualification match at Crown Jewel in November, often with providing backup to counter interference attempts. These victories, totaling over a dozen successful defenses, highlighted Ripley's resilience and the faction's protective role in sustaining her reign. As navigated internal power struggles in early 2024— including Damian Priest's Money in the Bank cash-in attempts on and evolving alliances with —Ripley's championship run faced mounting pressure from rising challengers like . On the April 8 episode of Raw, during a backstage brawl with longtime rival , Ripley suffered a legitimate AC joint shoulder injury after being driven into a production crate. Unable to compete, she vacated the Women's World Championship on the April 15 episode of Raw, ending her historic reign and forcing into a period of uncertainty without their anchor. This injury hiatus marked a pivotal shift, as faction betrayals and external threats had already strained group loyalty leading into her absence.

Injury hiatus, return, and feud with Liv Morgan (2024–2025)

On April 8, 2024, during a backstage segment on , Rhea Ripley was attacked by , who struck her with a steel chair and slammed her shoulder into a production crate, resulting in a legitimate injury to her AC joint connecting her collarbone and right shoulder. The injury forced Ripley out of action for several months, leading her to vacate the WWE Women's World Championship on the April 15 episode of Raw, where she announced the decision while wearing a sling. Ripley's recovery involved rather than , with updates indicating steady progress through mid-2024, though the exact timeline remained uncertain due to the injury's severity. She made occasional non-wrestling appearances, such as visiting the site of the attack, but focused primarily on rehabilitation to regain full strength in her . Ripley returned to WWE programming on the July 8, 2024, episode of Raw, interrupting a celebration involving Morgan—who had won the vacated title—and , immediately signaling her intent to pursue revenge. This confrontation escalated their rivalry, with Ripley demanding a title match at , highlighting the personal animosity stemming from Morgan's role in her injury. At on August 3, 2024, Ripley challenged Morgan for the Women's but lost after , a member of , betrayed her by low-blowing her from ringside and aiding Morgan's victory, including a post-match kiss between and Morgan. The betrayal deepened fractures within , as Ripley's alliance with the group—previously marked by unity—began to unravel amid accusations of disloyalty. The feud intensified at : on November 30, 2024, where Ripley captained a team including , Naomi, , and Bayley against Morgan's squad of Raquel Rodriguez, , , and in the Women's . Ripley's team emerged victorious, with Ripley securing the win by pinning Morgan following a Riptide through a table, providing a measure of retribution but leaving their rivalry unresolved. Entering 2025, the conflict between Ripley and Morgan escalated further, fueled by the ongoing implosion of , as shifting alliances, including Mysterio's deepening ties to Morgan and internal power struggles, heightened the personal stakes and transformed the into a broader of and redemption. This turmoil saw continued high-stakes confrontations, with the group's instability amplifying the emotional intensity of their encounters throughout the year.

Women's World Championship reigns and ongoing storylines (2025–present)

On January 6, 2025, during the premiere episode of on , Rhea Ripley defeated to regain the Women's World Championship, marking her second overall reign with the title and avenging her previous loss to Morgan from the prior year. This victory capped a redemption arc stemming from the intense 2024 feud with Morgan, positioning Ripley as the dominant force on Raw once more. Her 56-day reign included successful defenses against challengers such as at on January 25, solidifying her status as a top . Ripley's reign ended abruptly on the March 3 episode of Raw, where she lost the title to in a hard-fought main event match, with SKY capitalizing on Ripley's aggressive style to secure the pinfall. Seeking immediate recapture, Ripley entered a high-profile triple threat match against champion and at 41 on Night 2, April 20, 2025, but SKY retained the championship after eliminating both competitors in a match praised for its athletic intensity. This defeat intensified Ripley's rivalries with SKY and Belair, leading to ongoing skirmishes throughout the spring that highlighted her evolving role as a resilient veteran guiding the women's division through competitive clashes. The feud with and extended into the summer, culminating in multi-woman matches at premium live events. At on July 13, 2025, in the main event, Ripley challenged for the Women's World Championship in a singles match, but Naomi cashed in her Money in the Bank contract during the bout, turning it into a triple threat, and pinned SKY to win the title. Ripley then pursued Naomi at SummerSlam 2025, competing in another triple threat match that saw Naomi retain, further showcasing Ripley's tenacity amid shifting alliances. By late 2025, following Naomi's relinquishment of the title due to maternity leave, Ripley shifted focus to remnants of storyline, teaming with against emerging threats like and Giulia while securing a spot in the women's at on November 29, where her team—consisting of Ripley, AJ Lee, Charlotte Flair, IYO SKY, and Alexa Bliss—defeated Team Becky Lynch, which included Becky Lynch, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. This period marked Ripley's transition toward a archetype, mentoring younger talents and feuding with and Perez in formats, as seen in her November 7 tag match alongside . On the December 1 episode of Raw, Ripley confronted Liv Morgan amid ongoing Judgment Day tensions and teamed with IYO SKY in a match against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair that ended in a no-contest. During the WWE Live Holiday Tour in late December 2025, Ripley participated in mixed tag team matches, partnering with Rey Mysterio against Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan, as well as against The Wyatt Sicks, continuing her feuds in non-televised events. Despite a brief injury hiatus from a broken in October, Ripley returned to Raw, emphasizing her veteran presence in the title picture under champion . Continuing her alliance with IYO SKY, Ripley and SKY defeated The Kabuki Warriors on the January 5, 2026, episode of Raw to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships under the team name RHIYO, opening the show as the new champions with WWE officially listing RHIYO on its roster page and releasing official RHIYO merchandise, including a t-shirt. They kicked off the following Raw episode in Dusseldorf and are scheduled to defend the titles against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez at Saturday Night's Main Event in Montreal.

Media appearances

Video games

Rhea Ripley made her video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K20 (2019), representing the NXT UK brand with her signature moveset, including the Riptide finisher and a cyberpunk-inspired entrance attire reflecting her early NXT persona. Her inclusion marked a significant step in her digital representation, allowing players to experience her powerhouse style in various match types. In subsequent titles, Ripley continued to feature prominently as a playable character on the Raw roster. She appeared in WWE 2K22 (2022) and WWE 2K23 (2023), where developers enhanced her model with customizable entrance options, such as alternate attires and lighting effects to match her evolving "Nightmare" gimmick during her main roster transition. These updates emphasized her growing status, with her overall rating increasing to 90 in WWE 2K23, highlighting her in-game attributes like strength and submission prowess. Ripley achieved a milestone in WWE 2K24 (2024) by becoming a cover star for the Deluxe Edition alongside , marking the first dual-female cover in the franchise's history and underscoring her prominence as the Women's World Champion at the time. The edition's promotional materials featured her championship attire and entrance, tying into 's broader strategy to spotlight top female talents in multimedia. Ripley returned in WWE 2K25 (2025) as a playable Raw roster member, with updated attires and entrances incorporating elements from her recent storylines, including post-injury gear and affiliations. Players can unlock classic versions of her character through MyRISE mode, further expanding customization options for her dominant persona.

Film and other media

Rhea Ripley made a notable appearance in the promotional trailer for : III and Season 5 in 2024, portraying an operator as part of a crossover collaboration between and . This marked her entry into broader entertainment media, building on her prior features. In the music realm, Ripley collaborated with the band on her WWE entrance theme "Demon in Your Dreams," released in September 2022, which they performed live with her during her entrance in April 2024. Extending her ties to heavy metal acts, she joined onstage at the Silver Scream Con 4 in September 2025, participating in a theatrical performance of their song "A Work of Art," where she interacted with horror icon in a staged confrontation. Following this performance, director Damien Leone hinted at Ripley's potential involvement in Terrifier 4 on social media, responding "No need" to a fan's suggestion for a petition to include her in the film. Throughout 2025, Ripley expanded her media presence with guest spots on prominent , including discussions on storylines and her career alongside in July and a wrestling-focused episode in August. These outings highlighted her growing influence outside the ring.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Rhea Ripley had prior romantic relationships with independent wrestlers, including Dane and Jett Armstrong, during her early career in the Australian and indie wrestling scenes. In 2022, Ripley began a relationship with fellow wrestler (born Matthew Adams), another Australian performer who shares her passion for . The couple announced their engagement on August 9, 2023, via , with Ripley posting a photo of the proposal and Matthews' ring. Ripley and Matthews married on June 23, 2024, in an intimate ceremony. Ripley wore a black dress for the event, and the couple shared a photo on the following day, captioned "Til death" with the date. Their marriage, spanning rival promotions and AEW, has introduced logistical challenges, particularly with extensive travel schedules that limit time together amid Ripley's demanding commitments and Matthews' AEW tours. By 2025, the couple has adapted by prioritizing shared home time, such as building a gym, while Ripley continues to portray a fierce, dominant character in storylines featuring on-screen romantic tensions that remain distinct from and unaffected by her personal life.

Interests and philanthropy

Rhea Ripley is a lifelong supporter of the Adelaide Crows, the Australian Football League team from her hometown, often expressing her loyalty despite occasional social media scrutiny from fans when she wears other teams' apparel during off-games. She has also cited wrestler as a key inspiration from her youth, admiring his cocky demeanor and humor, which influenced her early interest in . Ripley maintains a strong affinity for heavy metal music, which is reflected in her entrance theme "Demon in Your Dreams," a collaboration featuring the band . The band performed the track live during her entrance at in 2024, highlighting her personal fandom and integration of the genre into her on-screen persona. Rhea Ripley is also a fan of the bands Ice Nine Kills and Falling in Reverse. She is a fan of the Terrifier horror film series, having collaborated on merchandise with the franchise and expressed interest in appearing in Terrifier 4. In philanthropy, Ripley has actively participated in 's partnership with the , granting her first individual wish to a young fan named Rylee in January 2024 ahead of the Royal Rumble event. She continued this involvement in 2025, fulfilling additional wishes for children before Raw episodes in Phoenix in June and in July, contributing to 's long-standing tradition of over 30 years in supporting the charity. Ripley has shown support for in , notably receiving a Matildas national soccer team jersey in Perth in October 2025 from Western Australia's Sport and Recreation Minister, symbolizing her advocacy for female athletes back home. Ripley's lifestyle emphasizes rigorous fitness, with a routine that includes 20 minutes of cardio followed by two to three hours of focused on to maintain her powerhouse physique essential for wrestling. She is also a dedicated pet owner, sharing her home with three dogs: the seven-year-old Luna, four-and-a-half-year-old Barry, and one-year-old , often documenting their training and daily adventures.

Championships and accomplishments

Major championships

Rhea Ripley is a two-time WWE Women's World Champion, with her first reign lasting 380 days from April 1, 2023, to April 15, 2024, during which she defended the title against prominent challengers including at and in high-profile matches that solidified her dominance in 's main roster women's division. This extended reign, tied for the longest in the championship's history, underscored Ripley's pivotal role in The Judgment Day, where she integrated title defenses into faction storylines. Her second reign began on January 6, 2025, when she defeated on the premiere of Raw, spanning 56 days until losing to on March 3, 2025; key defenses in this period included a successful outing against , underscoring her resilience following an injury hiatus. As the final Raw Women's Champion, Ripley held the title for 98 days from April 11, 2021, to July 18, 2021, winning it from Asuka at in a match that marked her transition from NXT to the main roster. During this reign, she defended against Nikki A.S.H. and others, establishing her aggressive style before the title was unified into the Women's World Championship lineage. Ripley's NXT tenure featured a 99-day reign as NXT Women's Champion from , 2019, to March 26, 2020 (recognized by as 108 days ending April 5, 2020), captured by defeating at : in a brutal steel cage match that propelled her to stardom within the brand. She made notable defenses against Raquel Gonzalez and Io Shirai, emphasizing her powerhouse persona before losing the title to at on April 5, 2020, marking her transition to the main roster. Earlier, Ripley became the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion on August 26, 2018, holding it for 139 days until January 12, 2019, when she lost to at . This reign included defenses across European tours, showcasing her as a trailblazer for the women's division. Ripley also secured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Nikki A.S.H. on September 20, 2021, for a 63-day reign ending November 22, 2021, won on the episode of Raw from Natalya and Tamina. Their partnership led to defenses that blended superhero-themed antics with competitive bouts, though it was cut short by internal storyline tensions. Ripley secured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship for a second time alongside IYO SKY on January 5, 2026, beginning an ongoing reign won from The Kabuki Warriors on an episode of Raw. Prior to WWE, in her native with , Ripley captured the RCW Women's Championship twice: first in 2014 for approximately 189 days and again from 2015 to 2016 for 182 days, establishing her early career credentials through hard-fought indie defenses.

Awards and honors

Rhea Ripley was ranked number one in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Women's 250 list for 2023, recognizing her as the top female wrestler of the year. In ESPN's 2023 Pro Wrestling Awards, Ripley was named Female Wrestler of the Year for her dominant performances and championship success. She has also appeared prominently in ESPN's annual rankings of top pro wrestlers, including a high placement in their 2023 list of the 30 best under 30. Ripley has earned multiple , WWE's annual fan-voted honors. In 2024, she won Female Superstar of the Year, Match of the Year for her bout against , and Faction of the Year as part of . During her NXT tenure, Ripley received nominations for Female Competitor of the Year in the NXT Year-End Awards for both 2019 and , highlighting her breakout status on the brand. Ripley is the winner of the 2023 Women's , eliminating 12 competitors, and runner-up in the 2021 Women's . Ripley achieved Grand Slam Champion status in 2023 upon winning the SmackDown Women's Championship, having previously secured the , Raw Women's Championship, and , making her the fifth woman in history to hold all four major titles.

References

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