When I think about a story that’s both exciting and inspiring, Rhea Ripley’s journey comes to mind. Born as Demi Bennett on October 11, 1996, in Adelaide, Australia, Rhea Ripley has become one of the most recognizable names in professional wrestling today. Watching her rise from an Australian independent wrestling scene to become a WWE star has been thrilling, especially since she’s achieved so much at such a young age.
Today, Rhea Ripley holds the record for one of the longest reigns as WWE Women’s World Champion, which she shares with Bayley at 380 days. For a WWE fan like me, following her career has felt like watching a determined and ambitious person relentlessly chase their dreams. Let’s walk through the incredible journey of Rhea Ripley, exploring how she rose to fame and what makes her stand out in the WWE universe.
Early Life in Australia
Rhea Ripley, originally Demi Bennett, grew up in Adelaide, Australia. Her background is diverse—she’s of Italian descent from her mother’s side. Growing up, she was drawn to sports and physical activities, something that would play a crucial role in shaping her future. She attended Henley High School in Adelaide, where she nurtured her athletic skills.
Even at a young age, she was drawn to the excitement and drama of professional wrestling. Inspired by wrestlers like The Miz and Triple H, she knew she wanted to be in the ring someday. Her ambitions were high, and she started working towards a career in wrestling in her teenage years, which led her to join a local wrestling promotion in Australia.
Starting Her Wrestling Career on the Independent Circuit
In 2013, at just 17 years old, Rhea Ripley began wrestling for Riot City Wrestling (RCW), an Australian wrestling promotion. This was her first step into professional wrestling, and she quickly made a name for herself. Within a few years, she had won the RCW Women’s Championship twice, proving her skills and strength in the ring.
Rhea also participated in New Horizon Pro Wrestling (NHPW) events and competed against established wrestlers like Mercedes Martinez and Saraya Knight. While she didn’t win every match, her performances showcased her potential and tenacity. By the time WWE noticed her, she had already become a star in the Australian wrestling scene.
Joining WWE and the Mae Young Classic
In 2017, Rhea Ripley’s big break came when she signed with WWE. It was an incredible milestone for her career, and she officially began competing under the ring name Rhea Ripley. Her WWE debut was in the Mae Young Classic tournament, where she impressed fans with her athleticism and powerful moves. Although she didn’t win, she left a strong impression.
Her second Mae Young Classic in 2018 saw her reach the semifinals, showing that she was a fierce competitor. She also adopted a tougher and edgier persona, setting herself apart from other wrestlers. This shift in attitude and appearance helped her gain a unique identity in WWE, making fans eagerly await her matches.
Becoming the Inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion
In 2018, Rhea Ripley became a foundational member of the newly established NXT UK brand. During an eight-woman tournament, she defeated top contenders like Dakota Kai and Toni Storm to become the first-ever NXT UK Women’s Champion. This win was a monumental achievement, making her the first female Australian champion in WWE history.
Her reign as NXT UK Women’s Champion lasted for 139 days, during which she defended her title against various challengers. This title win not only showcased her talent but also her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Rise in NXT and Winning the NXT Women’s Championship
Rhea’s success continued as she joined the NXT brand in 2019, setting her sights on the NXT Women’s Championship held by Shayna Baszler. Their feud became one of the highlights of NXT, and on December 18, 2019, Rhea defeated Shayna to win the NXT Women’s Championship. With this win, she became the first woman to hold both the NXT UK and NXT Women’s Championships, solidifying her status as a top-tier WWE athlete.
One of her most memorable moments was defending her title at WrestleMania 36 against Charlotte Flair, making her the first NXT Women’s Champion to defend the title at WWE’s biggest event of the year.
Joining WWE Raw and the Judgment Day Faction
In 2021, Rhea Ripley moved to WWE’s main roster on Raw, where she continued to make her mark. Her debut match on the main roster was at WrestleMania 37 against Asuka for the Raw Women’s Championship, which she won. This victory made her a Raw Women’s Champion, adding another accolade to her impressive resume.
In 2022, Rhea joined the faction known as The Judgment Day, aligning with wrestlers like Damian Priest, Finn Balor, and Dominik Mysterio. This faction has a darker, more intense vibe, which fits Rhea’s tough and rebellious persona perfectly. Her presence in Judgment Day has brought an edge to the group, and fans have embraced this new chapter in her WWE career.
Record-Setting Women’s World Championship Reign
One of Rhea Ripley’s most significant achievements is her Women’s World Championship reign, which ties her with Bayley for the longest reign in the title’s history at 380 days. This record-setting accomplishment underscores her dominance in WWE and highlights her skills as a world-class athlete.
What’s remarkable about Rhea’s journey is that she’s only in her mid-20s and has already achieved so much. Her journey from the independent wrestling scene in Australia to becoming a WWE champion is truly inspiring.
Achievements and Milestones
To sum up her accomplishments, here’s a quick look at Rhea Ripley’s titles and records in WWE:
|
Title/Record |
Details |
| NXT UK Women’s Champion |
First-ever champion, held for 139 days |
|
NXT Women’s Champion |
Won against Shayna Baszler |
| Raw Women’s Champion |
Won at WrestleMania 37 |
|
Women’s World Championship |
Tied for longest reign at 380 days |
| 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner |
First woman to win from the number one entry |
|
WWE Women’s Triple Crown Champion |
Has won Raw, NXT, and NXT UK Women’s Championships |
| WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion |
Has held NXT UK, NXT, Raw, SmackDown, and Tag Titles |
Why Rhea Ripley Inspires Fans?
Rhea Ripley’s journey isn’t just about winning titles—it’s about perseverance, passion, and staying true to oneself. She transformed from a young girl with big dreams in Adelaide to a global WWE superstar through hard work and a never-give-up attitude. Her story shows that with determination, it’s possible to reach unimaginable heights.
Her impact goes beyond the ring. Many fans, especially young girls, look up to her as a role model who broke barriers and made history. As a WWE fan, it’s been incredible to see her evolve and succeed. Rhea’s journey inspires me to believe that no dream is too big and that with resilience and hard work, anyone can achieve greatness.
Rhea Ripley’s journey in WWE continues, and as fans, we eagerly await her next move. Whether you’re new to WWE or a longtime fan, Rhea’s story is a reminder that dreams are worth chasing, no matter where you come from.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
READ MORE BLOGS ABOUT WWE:
- Why Should You Watch Wrestling? Do You Know WWE Raw And WWE Smackdown?
- Is WWE Fake: Everything You Need To Know
