Rhea Ripley: Bio, News, Videos, Socials & More

SI Wrestling Staff | Aug 29, 2024

WWE.com

Rhea Ripley is an Australian professional wrestler currently working for WWE. She gained prominence on the independent circuit before joining WWE in 2017, becoming the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion. She further cemented her legacy and made history by becoming only the fourth wrestler (male or female) to win the Royal Rumble from the #1 spot, and by becoming the the fifth Women's Grand Slam Champion.

Bio
Top News & Stories
Early Life
Professional Career
Championships
Rhea Ripley's Husband
Theme Song
Social Media
Tattoos
Videos

Bio

Real Name	Demi Bennett
Nicknames	The Nightmare, Mami
Date of Birth (DOB)	October 11, 1996
Nationality	Australian
Spouse	Buddy Matthews (2024)
Debut	June 29, 2013
Theme Song	Demon In Your Dreams
Signature Moves	Riptide, Prism Trap
Training	WWE Performance Center
Billed Height	5 ft 7 in (170cm)
Billed Weight	137 pounds (62 kilograms)

Top News & Stories

Rhea Ripley Stars On Raw

Rhea Ripley On Getting Cheered: 'It's Even Lauder Than I Thought It Would Be'

Dom Mysterio Turns On Rhea Ripley, Helps Live Morgan Retain Title

Early Life

Demi Bennett was born in Adelaide, South Australia on October 11, 1996. She grew up in Glenelg, a tourist destination and beachside suburb of Adelaide. Bennett cites The Miz as her wrestling inspiration growing up.

Professional Career

Indies (2013–2017)

Ripley began her career in 2013 with Riot City Wrestling in Australia, where she became a two-time RCW Women's Champion. She also competed in New Horizon Pro Wrestling and Melbourne City Wrestling, where she built her reputation as a top Australian wrestler. Her success on the independent circuit led to her signing at WWE.

WWE Mae Young Classic (2017–2018)

In 2017, Ripley debuted in WWE at the Mae Young Classic but was knocked out by Dakota Kai in the second round. She reached the semi-finals a year later, however, her performances introduced her to WWE's audience, leading to her rise up the WWE ranks. It was here that she began showcasing a powerful and intense style that would define her persona.

WWE.com

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

Ripley became the first NXT UK Women's Champion in 2018, defeating Toni Storm in the tournament final, making her the first Australian champion in WWE history. She successfully defended the title before losing it to Storm in 2019. Despite the loss, Ripley's dominance established her as a major force, leading to her transition from NXT UK to the NXT brand.

NXT Women's Champion (2019–2021)

In 2019, Rhea Ripley won the NXT Women's Championship by defeating Shayna Baszler. She became the first wrestler to hold both the NXT UK and NXT Women's Champion titles. Her reign withstood defenses against top competitors, but ended at WrestleMania 36, losing to Charlotte Flair. Ripley continued to thrive in NXT until 2021 when she moved to WWE's main roster.

Raw Women's Champion (2021–2022)

Ripley debuted on Raw in March 2021, quickly winning the Women's Championship at WrestleMania 37 by defeating Asuka. Her reign saw intense rivalries, particularly with Charlotte Flair, who dethroned her in July 2021. Ripley then won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Nikki A.S.H., but their partnership ended in early 2022.

Apr 1, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Rhea Ripley during Wrestlemania Night 1 at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Judgment Day (2022–2024)

In 2022, Ripley joined The Judgment Day, a faction that was originally led by Edge. She played a key role in the group's dominance by aligning with Dominik Mysterio and winning the 2023 Royal Rumble from entering at the #1 spot.

At WrestleMania 39, she then defeated Charlotte Flair to become SmackDown Women's Champion. Ripley defended her title on numerous occasions, defeating Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Ivy Nile, and others.

The Terror Twins (2024–present)

Ripley remained a dominant force until an injury at the hands of Liv Morgan sidelined her, forcing her to vacate her title after 380 days. After returning from injury, Ripley confronted Liv Morgan, who had taken her place in The Judgment Day. After losing the title match to Live Morgan at SummerSlam after Dominik turned on her, Ripley formed a new tag team with Damian Priest called The Terror Twins. Together, they continue to challenge The Judgment Day.

Championships

Championship	Times Won
NXT UK Women's Champion	2
NXY Women's Champion	1
RAW Women's Champion	1
SmackDown Women's Champion	1
WWE Women's Tag Team Champion	1
Women's Royal Rumble	1
Riot City Wrestling Women's Champion	2

Rhea Ripley's Husband

Rhea Ripley is married to fellow wrestler Matthew Adams, known in the ring as Buddy Matthews. A former WWE Cruiserweight Champion under the name Buddy Murphy, he moved to rival AEW in 2022 assuming his new moniker.

Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews began dating in 2020 while both worked at WWE and in June 2024 tied the knot.