Hello, wrestler fans! If you love following the WWE and admire world-class, Rhea Ripley is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Rhea Ripley is an Australian professional wrestler signed to WWE, known for her intense power style, goth-inspired persona, and major championship success across NXT, NXT UK, Raw, and the women’s world title scene. By 2026 she is widely recognized as one of WWE’s top female stars, both on television and in global popularity rankings.
Rhea Ripley’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Real Name | Demi Bennett |
| Nicknames | The Nightmare, The Eradicator, Mami |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1996 |
| Age (2026) | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Education | Henley High School |
| Religion | Catholic Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Australian |
| Professional Debut | June 22, 2013 |
| WWE Debut | July 13, 2017 |
| Husband | Buddy Matthews |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | $1-3 million |
| Reported salary | Earlier reports: around US $250,000 per year base from WWE. More recent “highest‑paid” lists claim up to US $6 million per year as a reported salary figure, but WWE does not confirm this publicly |
| Instagram Handle | @rhearipley_wwe |
| Instagram Followers | 6.1+ million |
| Current WWE Brand | Raw & Tag Team Competitor |
| Signature Move | Riptide |
| Entrance Theme | “Demon In Your Dreams” by Motionless in White |
Early career
Rhea Ripley made her professional wrestling debut on June 22, 2013, at just 16 years old with Riot City Wrestling (RCW) in her native Adelaide, Australia. Using her real name Demi Bennett, she quickly established herself as a rising talent, winning the RCW Women’s Championship in May 2014 by defeating Savannah Summers. She held the title through multiple successful defenses until November 2014, showcasing her technical abilities and physical dominance.
Throughout 2014-2017, Bennett competed extensively across Australian independent promotions including New Horizon Pro Wrestling, Melbourne City Wrestling, and Newcastle Pro Wrestling. She gained valuable international experience with tours to Japan, working for Pro Wrestling ZERO1 in 2015 and competing in Mexico. Her consistent performances on the independent circuit established her reputation as a seriously talented prospect, culminating in her being invited to audition for WWE’s developmental system.
Professional career
Rhea Ripley officially adopted her ring name on July 13, 2017, when she debuted in WWE’s inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament, reaching the second round before elimination by Dakota Kai. WWE signed her to a developmental contract, and she joined the NXT roster in August 2017. In 2018, she became part of the new NXT UK brand and made history by defeating Toni Storm in the finals of the NXT UK Women’s Championship Tournament in August 2018, becoming the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion.
She held the title for 139 days before losing to Storm at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool in January 2019. Transitioning back to the main NXT brand, Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler in December 2019 to win the NXT Women’s Championship, making her the first woman to hold both the NXT UK and NXT Women’s titles. After losing her NXT title to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36, she spent over a year rebuilding before being called to the main roster in 2021.
She defeated Asuka at WrestleMania 37 to win the Raw Women’s Championship, establishing herself as a main roster force. By 2023, she won the Royal Rumble and defeated Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 for the SmackDown Women’s Championship in what many consider one of the greatest women’s matches in WWE history. As of January 6, 2025, she defeated Liv Morgan on the Netflix premiere episode of Monday Night Raw to reclaim the Women’s World Championship, cementing her legacy as one of wrestling’s elite competitors.
Husband
Rhea Ripley married her longtime boyfriend Buddy Matthews (real name Matthew Adams) on June 23, 2024. The couple, both Australian wrestlers, met during their time in WWE and went public with their relationship in 2022 through social media posts. They announced their engagement in August 2023 and exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. Buddy Matthews currently performs for AEW as a member of the House of Black faction, where he gained prominence after departing WWE in 2021.
The couple has no children together as of 2026, though both have expressed openness to starting a family in the future. They maintain a supportive relationship despite working for competing promotions, with Matthews frequently sharing encouraging messages for Ripley’s achievements on social media. They reside primarily in Orlando, Florida, where WWE’s headquarters is located, though they maintain their Australian roots and frequently visit their homeland. Their relationship represents one of professional wrestling’s most talked-about real-life romances, despite the initial confusion among fans about her on-screen relationship with WWE performer Dominik Mysterio.
Rhea Ripley’s net worth Details
As of 2026, Rhea Ripley’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $3 million, making her one of the wealthiest female wrestlers in the industry. Her annual earnings have exploded significantly, with reports indicating her WWE salary has increased to approximately $6 million per year—the highest of any female WWE performer. This represents a dramatic increase from her initial $250,000 annual salary when she first signed with WWE.
Her wealth comes from multiple revenue streams: her guaranteed WWE salary ($6 million annually), pay-per-view appearance bonuses, merchandise sales (estimated at 5% of WWE merchandise revenue), championship incentive bonuses, and brand endorsement deals.
She recently signed a five-year contract extension with WWE, reportedly for a “considerable raise,” though specific figures haven’t been publicly disclosed. Additional income derives from endorsement partnerships with major brands including C4 Energy, Mattel, Nexus Sports Nutrition, WWE 2K25, and Topps Trading Cards. These diverse income sources, combined with her merchandise sales from being one of WWE’s most popular superstars, have substantially increased her financial position since 2021 when her net worth was estimated at just $500,000.
Fight purses
| Event/Match | Date | Opponent(s) | Estimated Purse | Result |
| WrestleMania 37 | April 11, 2021 | Asuka | $300,000-500,000 | Won Raw Women’s Championship |
| WrestleMania 36 | April 5, 2020 | Charlotte Flair | $200,000-300,000 | Lost NXT Women’s Championship |
| WrestleMania 39 (Night 1) | April 1, 2023 | Charlotte Flair | $400,000-600,000 | Won Women’s World Championship |
| WrestleMania 38 (Night 2) | April 3, 2022 | Liv Morgan/Rhea Ripley vs Sasha Banks/Naomi | $200,000-350,000 | Lost Tag Team Match |
| Survivor Series 2023 | November 25, 2023 | Zoey Stark (WarGames) | $250,000-400,000 | Retained Women’s World Championship |
| Elimination Chamber 2024 | February 24, 2024 | Nia Jax | $300,000-450,000 | Retained Women’s World Championship |
| Saturday Night’s Main Event 2024 | Multiple | Various | $150,000-250,000 | Various |
| Royal Rumble 2023 | January 28, 2023 | 30-Woman Match | $200,000-300,000 | Won Royal Rumble |
| Raw on Netflix Premiere | January 6, 2025 | Liv Morgan | $500,000+ | Won Women’s World Championship |
| Current Per-Event (House Shows) | Ongoing | Various | $15,000-25,000 | Varies |
Endorsements
- C4 Energy – Energy drink sponsorship featuring Ripley in advertising campaigns
- Mattel WWE Action Figures – Multiple Rhea Ripley collectible figures released annually
- Nexus Sports Nutrition – Sports supplement partnership for pre-workout formulas
- WWE 2K25 – Featured prominently as a playable character in the popular video game
- Topps Trading Cards – Official WWE wrestling card sets featuring Ripley
- Snickers – WWE-sponsored partnership for wrestling events
- WWE Official Merchandise – Clothing, apparel, and accessory lines sold through WWE Shop
- Instagram Sponsored Content – Estimated earnings of $15,000-$24,000 monthly from sponsored posts
- Twitch Streaming – Previously monetized streaming content (though she’s been less active on platform)
- Meet & Greet Appearances – VIP fan experiences at WWE events generating additional income
Career records
| Category | Record/Details |
| Overall Career Win-Loss | 269 wins, 166 losses, 7 draws (60% win rate) |
| WWE Main Roster Win-Loss | 97 wins, 76 losses, 3 draws (55.11% win rate) |
| NXT Win-Loss | 58 wins, 51 losses, 4 draws (51.33% win rate) |
| NXT UK Win-Loss | 13 wins, 3 losses (81.25% win rate) |
| Most Notable Opponent | Charlotte Flair – Record: 2-3 (0.400 win rate) |
| Most Successful Against | Asuka – Record: 6-1-1 (85.7% win rate) |
| Biggest Rivalry | Liv Morgan (Recent feud with personal animosity) |
| Championship Reigns | 5 Total (Raw Women’s x1, Women’s World Championship x2, NXT Women’s x1, NXT UK Women’s x1, Women’s Tag Team x2) |
| WrestleMania Record | Multiple championship victories including career-defining win vs Flair at WrestleMania 39 |
| Royal Rumble Record | 2023 winner, multiple appearances |
| Longest Championship Reign | 380 days (Women’s World Championship, tied with Bayley) |
| Other Notable Opponents | Shayna Baszler, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Raquel Rodriguez, Dakota Kai, Toni Storm, Nikki Cross |
FAQs
1. How Did Rhea Ripley Begin Her Wrestling Career?
Rhea Ripley started wrestling at just 16 years old in June 2013 with Riot City Wrestling in Adelaide, Australia. She competed under her real name, Demi Bennett, and quickly became a prominent figure in the Australian independent wrestling scene. After several years building her reputation across Australian and international promotions, she auditioned for WWE and was signed to a developmental contract in 2017.
2. What Is the Meaning Behind Her “The Nightmare” Nickname?
The “Nightmare” moniker represents her dark, intimidating character and gothic aesthetic. It reflects her wrestling persona as someone who brings fear and brutality to her opponents. The nickname has become synonymous with her dominant in-ring style and her tendency to overwhelm opponents with her strength and aggression.
3. Why Is Rhea Ripley Called “Mami”?
“Mami” is a Spanish/Latin term of endearment meaning “mommy,” but in her context, it’s used as a general term of affection and power. The nickname evolved during her feud with Dominik Mysterio and The Judgment Day faction, becoming a rallying cry for her fans and a signature part of her character. It emphasizes her commanding, dominant presence.
4. How Many Championships Has Rhea Ripley Won in WWE?
Rhea Ripley has won eight total championships across WWE brands: the NXT UK Women’s Championship (1), NXT Women’s Championship (1), Raw Women’s Championship (1), Women’s World Championship (2), and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (2). She’s also won the Royal Rumble (2023) and the NXT UK Women’s Championship Tournament (2018). These achievements make her one of WWE’s most decorated female superstars.
5. What Are Rhea Ripley’s Signature Finishing Moves?
Her primary finishing move is the Riptide, a devastating crucifix powerbomb that’s become her signature maneuver. She also uses the Prism Trap (a submission hold) as a secondary finishing move. Her signature moves include a Royal Rip and various striking combinations. The Riptide is universally feared and has been the source of countless victories throughout her WWE career.
6. Is Rhea Ripley Still Active in WWE as of 2026?
Yes, Rhea Ripley remains an active and prominent WWE superstar as of January 2026. She recently won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with IYO SKY on January 5, 2026, and has been featured prominently on WWE Raw. She celebrated a tag team name (“RHIYO”) with her partner and continues to be positioned as one of WWE’s top female attractions.
7. What Tattoos Does Rhea Ripley Have and What Do They Mean?
Rhea Ripley has over 20 tattoos covering her body, each with personal significance. Her first tattoo, shared with wrestler Toni Storm, commemorates the date of WWE Evolution and her early wrestling journey with Riot City Wrestling in Australia. Other tattoos include a dagger on her left arm representing trust issues, a skull on her left ankle, a Purgatory symbol on her knee (from the TV series Supernatural), demon imagery representing her character, and a rose, wolf, and lady on her left calf. She also has a tattoo representing her sister Calista, emphasizing family bonds that transcend life’s distances.
8. How Did Rhea Ripley Injure Herself and When Did She Return?
In 2024, Rhea Ripley suffered a legitimate shoulder injury during a backstage segment with Liv Morgan that forced her to relinquish the Women’s World Championship in April. Later in October 2024, she suffered a broken orbital bone when attacked by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on NXT. She received clearance to return and was prominently featured at the start of 2026, suggesting her recovery was successful. WWE had earmarked her for a major WrestleMania 41 role in 2025.
9. What Is Rhea Ripley’s Relationship with Buddy Matthews?
Rhea Ripley is married to Buddy Matthews (real name Matthew Adams), an AEW wrestler who is a member of the House of Black faction. They met during their time in WWE and went public with their relationship in 2022. They became engaged in August 2023 and married on June 23, 2024. Both support each other’s careers despite working for competing companies, and they frequently share messages of encouragement on social media. They have no children but have expressed openness to starting a family.
10. What Is Rhea Ripley’s Training and Fitness Regimen Like?
Rhea Ripley maintains her impressive physique through rigorous strength training, cardio work, and a strict balanced diet. She regularly shares her training routines on Instagram, showcasing weightlifting sessions, cardio work, and wrestling-specific conditioning. Her height and natural athleticism, combined with years of disciplined training, have made her one of the strongest and most physically imposing female wrestlers in WWE. She emphasizes functional strength training that translates directly to her in-ring performance.