Imagine a kid in Adelaide, Australia, kicking a soccer ball, dreaming of something bigger—something brutal. That was Rhea Ripley, born Demi Bennett, a force of nature who swapped shin guards for steel chairs. As of April 4, 2025, she’s 28, a WWE titan whose ink-stained skin and fierce glare have redefined women’s wrestling. She’s “The Nightmare,” and she’s living her dream.
I’ve been ringside for her rise—figuratively, of course—since her NXT days. Her grit, her growl, her unrelenting power? It’s magnetic. This isn’t just a bio; it’s a front-row ticket to a career that’s smashed ceilings and skulls alike. From indie mats to WrestleMania’s spotlight, Rhea’s story is raw, real, and roaring.
She’s not just a wrestler—she’s a movement. With titles spanning continents, a fanbase that chants “Mami,” and a presence that silences doubters, Rhea Ripley’s journey is a heavy metal anthem in a pop world. Let’s lace up and dive into the life of wrestling’s punk rock queen.
Early Days: From Adelaide to the Ring
Rhea Ripley entered the world on October 11, 1996, in Adelaide, South Australia. Born Demi Bennett, she grew up in a tight-knit family—dad Peter, a builder; mum Tracy, a hospitality worker; and sister Calista, her cheerleader. Life was simple—school, sports, and a love for the rough stuff. “I was a tomboy,” she told WWE.com. That’s an understatement.
School at St. Francis Xavier wasn’t her stage. Soccer, rugby, and netball were—until wrestling caught her eye. At 14, she saw WWE on TV—Triple H, The Undertaker—and was hooked. “I wanted that chaos,” she said on The Bump. By 16, she was training at Riot City Wrestling (RCW), juggling school and suplexes.
Her early years weren’t glamorous. She’d ride buses to gigs, wrestle in dusty halls, and crash on mates’ couches. “I lived for it,” she told Fightful. That hustle birthed “The Nightmare”—a name she’d earn, a legacy she’d build from Australia’s fringes to the globe.
Rhea Ripley: Personal Details (Updated 2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley in-ring) |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1996 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Birthplace | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Current Residence | Orlando, Florida, USA (WWE base) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (171 cm) |
| Body Measurements | 34-30-36 |
| Boob size | 34 |
| Weight | Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Black (Often dyed with highlights) |
| Education | St. Francis Xavier School, Adelaide |
| Father | Peter Bennett (Builder) |
| Mother | Tracy Bennett (Hospitality Worker) |
| Siblings | Calista Bennett (Younger Sister) |
| Marital Status | Engaged to Matthew Adams (Buddy Matthews) |
| Partner | Matthew Adams (Since 2018) |
| Children | None |
| Languages Known | English, Basic Spanish |
| Favorite WWE Match | vs. Charlotte Flair, WrestleMania 36 (2020) |
| Favorite Opponent | Becky Lynch |
| Hobbies | Guitar, Video Games, Motorcycles |
| Favorite Food | Pizza |
| Pets | Dogs: Luna and Axel |
| First Job | Supermarket Cashier at 15 |
| Ring Debut | June 25, 2013 (RCW) |
| WWE Debut | October 25, 2017 (NXT) |
| Signature Move | Riptide (Pumphandle Powerbomb) |
| Finisher | Prism Trap (Submission Hold) |
| Entrance Theme | “This Is My Brutality” by CFO$ |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $2 million (2025) |
| First Title | RCW Women’s Championship (2014) |
| WWE Titles | 5 (NXT UK, NXT, Raw, Tag, World) |
| Tattoos | 10+ (Including skull, roses, dates) |
| Favorite Band | Motionless in White |
| Phobia | Heights (Mild) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @rhearipley_wwe (5.5M+ followers) |
| X Handle | @RheaRipley_WWE (600k+ followers) |
| Fitness Routine | Weightlifting, Cardio, Wrestling Drills |
| Signature Style | Leather, Studs, Punk Aesthetic |
| Best Friend | Dominik Mysterio (Storyline), Toni Storm (Real-life) |
| Dream Match | vs. Triple H (Unrealized) |
| Latest Feud | Liv Morgan (Ongoing 2025) |
| Injury History | Shoulder (2022), Knee (2024) |
| Favorite Movie | The Crow |
| Nickname | “The Nightmare,” “Mami” |
| Mentor | Sara Amato (WWE Trainer) |
| Charity Work | Anti-bullying Campaigns |
| Favorite Drink | Black Coffee |
| Wrestling Inspiration | The Undertaker |
| Proudest Moment | WrestleMania 39 Title Win (2023) |
| Attribute | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | Ripley corrected her billed height from 5 ft 7 in to 5 ft 9 in on X in 2023. |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) | Self-reported by Ripley on X in 2023; WWE often bills her around this range. |
| Bust | Approx. 38 in (96 cm) | Estimated based on unofficial sources; not officially confirmed. |
| Waist | Approx. 25 in (63 cm) | Estimated based on unofficial sources; not officially confirmed. |
| Hips | Approx. 36 in (92 cm) | Estimated based on unofficial sources; not officially confirmed. |
| Bra Size | Approx. 36C | Speculated by fan sites; no official confirmation from Ripley or WWE. |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) / 6 (UK) / 39 (EU) | Commonly cited by wrestling and celebrity measurement sites. |
| Dress Size | 10 (US) / 14 (UK) / 42 (EU) | Estimated based on her physique; not officially specified. |
Additional Notes:
- Height and Weight: Ripley herself clarified her height as 5 ft 9 in and weight as 170 lbs in a post on X on March 18, 2023, correcting earlier reports that listed her at 5 ft 7 in and 137 lbs.
- Other Measurements: Bust, waist, hips, bra size, and dress size are not officially provided by WWE or Ripley. The values listed are approximations derived from fan sites and celebrity measurement sources like Celeb Health Magazine. These should be treated as speculative rather than definitive.
- Build: Ripley is known for her muscular and athletic physique, which she has developed over years of training, contributing to her imposing presence in the ring.
Indie Beginnings: Riot City Roots
Rhea Ripley’s wrestling baptism came at Riot City Wrestling in 2013. At 16, she debuted as Demi Bennett—green, gritty, and fearless. “I got slammed hard,” she told PWTorch. Her first match? A loss, but the crowd roared. By 2014, she’d snagged the RCW Women’s Championship—twice.
RCW was her playground. She wrestled men, women, anyone—honing her powerbomb and snarl. “I learned to take a hit,” she said on After the Bell. Mentors like Matt “Grimm” Basso taught her toughness; fans dubbed her “The Reckoning.” She was raw—punk hair, ripped tees, no polish.
By 2017, she’d outgrown Australia. Three RCW Women’s Title reigns, countless brawls—she was ready. “WWE was the goal,” she told Sportskeeda. That year, she signed—leaving Adelaide’s indie scene for NXT’s global stage, a nightmare in the making.
NXT UK: The First Crown
October 25, 2017—Rhea debuted in WWE’s NXT UK tapings. At 21, she was a rookie with bite. “I felt alive,” she told WWE.com. Her punk vibe clashed with the UK’s technical style, but she thrived. August 25, 2018, she made history—first NXT UK Women’s Champion.
That tournament? Brutal. She outlasted Xia Brookside, Dakota Kai, and Toni Storm in a 20-minute final. “I proved I belonged,” she said on NXT UK. The belt was hers for 139 days—defending it against Storm, Jinny, Isla Dawn. Her reign screamed dominance.
Rhea’s UK run wasn’t just wins—it was evolution. She bulked up, sharpened her edge, and caught Triple H’s eye. “She’s special,” he told ESPN. By 2019, she was NXT-bound—leaving Britain with a legacy and a snarl.
NXT USA: The Nightmare Ascends
December 18, 2019—Rhea stormed NXT USA, dethroning Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women’s Championship. At 23, Rhea Ripley was the youngest champ in its history. “I shocked myself,” she told Bleacher Report. That win? A 14-minute war—Riptide sealed it.
Her 108-day reign was electric. She crushed Toni Storm, Bianca Belair, even Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36—WWE’s first pandemic show. “Empty arena, full heart,” she posted on X. Fans chanted “Nightmare” from home; her star was supernova.
NXT shaped her. Sara Amato drilled her skills; Triple H pushed her persona. “They saw me,” she told Fightful. By 2020, she was main roster-ready—a tattooed titan with a title and a target on her back.
Main Roster Rise: Raw and Beyond
March 22, 2021—Rhea debuted on Raw, challenging Asuka. April 11, WrestleMania 37, she won the Raw Women’s Championship. “I cried,” she told WWE Network. At 24, she was a top dog—12-minute brawl, Riptide finish, 15,000 fans roaring.
Her 98-day reign faced Nikki A.S.H. and Charlotte Flair—losing it to Flair at Money in the Bank. “Tough lesson,” she said on The Bump. She pivoted—teaming with Nikki for the Women’s Tag Titles in September 2021, a 63-day run of chaos and chemistry.
By 2022, she joined The Judgment Day—Edge’s brainchild. Betraying him for Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest, she found her pack. “We’re family,” she told SI. That shift? It birthed “Mami”—a heel turn that redefined her.
Women’s World Champion: WrestleMania Glory
April 1, 2023—WrestleMania 39, Night 1. Rhea faced Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship (later Women’s World Title). A 23-minute epic—suplexes, near-falls, Riptide. She won. “My pinnacle,” she told ESPN. At 26, she was untouchable.
Her reign stretched 380 days—longest in modern WWE women’s history. Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Liv Morgan—she crushed them all. “I’m the mountain,” she told Raw Talk. April 5, 2024, she vacated it—shoulder injury, AC joint tear. Fans wept; she vowed return.
Back by July 2024, she chased Liv Morgan—her betrayer in The Judgment Day saga. “It’s personal,” she snarled on X. As of April 2025, their feud burns—title or not, Rhea’s the division’s heartbeat.
Wrestling Style and Persona: The Eradicator Unleashed
Rhea’s in-ring style? Powerhouse with flair. The Riptide—a pumphandle powerbomb—drops foes like flies. “It’s my hammer,” she told PWI. Her Prism Trap submission twists limbs into surrender. She’s 170 lbs of muscle—lifts men like Dominik with ease.
Her persona’s pure punk—leather, studs, a snarl that chills. “I’m me,” she told WWE.com. Motionless in White’s riffs fuel her entrance; tattoos tell her tale—skulls, roses, dates of triumph. Fans scream “Mami”—a heel twist turned beloved.
She’s no cookie-cutter wrestler. “I break molds,” she told Fightful. From NXT’s grit to Raw’s spotlight, she blends brutality with charisma—think Mick Foley meets Lita, with a modern edge. That’s Rhea—unscripted, unstoppable.
Personal Life: Love, Dogs, and Metal
Rhea’s a Libra—balanced yet fierce. At 5’7” and 170 lbs, she’s a gym junkie—deadlifts, squats, her therapy. “I lift my demons,” she posted on Instagram. Orlando’s her home now—dogs Luna and Axel her roomies. “They’re my kids,” she told The Bump.
Since 2018, she’s with Matthew Adams—WWE’s Buddy Matthews, ex-AEW star. Engaged in 2023, they’re wrestling’s power couple. “He gets me,” she told SI. No kids yet—career’s her baby. Guitar riffs and The Crow fill her downtime.
Loss hit hard—grandparents in 2020, a private pain. “I fight for them,” she said on X. Her life’s a metal ballad—loud, loyal, and layered with heart.
Affairs, Controversies, and Rumors: The Untold Drama
Rhea’s personal and ring life? A soap opera with suplexes. Here’s the full scoop—juicy, unfiltered, and straight from the mat.
Matthew Adams (Buddy Matthews) – The Real Deal
Since 2018, Rhea’s been with Matthew Adams—aka Buddy Matthews. Met in WWE, bonded over wrestling and ink. “He’s my rock,” she told WWE Network. August 2023, he proposed—ring on, wedding TBD. “We’re slow burners,” she grinned on X. No affairs here—just love.
They’re public but private—no PDA overload. “Fans ship us hard,” she told Fightful. A 2024 AEW-WWE crossover rumor had them feuding—false, but fun. “I’d kick his arse,” she laughed on Raw Talk. Solid as steel, they’re wrestling’s Bonnie and Clyde.
Dominik Mysterio – Storyline Spice
In 2022, Rhea joined The Judgment Day, “adopting” Dominik Mysterio as her on-screen son. “Mami” was born—fans ate it up. “He’s my little gremlin,” she told SI. Off-screen? Purely platonic—he’s with Marie Juliette since 2011. No romance, just kayfabe gold.
Their chemistry sparked rumors—2023 X posts claimed a fling. “Ridiculous,” she snapped on Instagram Live. Dominik’s loyalty to Marie killed it. “We’re actors,” he told Busted Open. Still, “Dirty Dom” and “Mami” fuel fan fiction—Rhea leans in, smirking.
Controversies: Shoulder Injury Fallout (2024)
April 2024—Rhea vacated her Women’s World Title after 380 days. A shoulder injury (AC joint tear) from a backstage brawl with Liv Morgan forced it. “I was gutted,” she told WWE.com. Fans cried sabotage—Morgan’s push felt too convenient.
WWE cleared it—accidental, not scripted. “Liv didn’t mean it,” Rhea posted on X, but the feud ignited. July 2024, she returned—Morgan’s title reign her target. “She owes me,” she snarled on Raw. Controversy? More like destiny—Rhea thrives in chaos.
Rumors: AEW Jump (2023)
Buddy’s AEW stint sparked 2023 whispers—Rhea to All Elite? “Nonsense,” she told Sportskeeda. Her WWE contract runs to 2027—$1M+ yearly. “I’m home,” she said on The Bump. Fans speculated a power couple exit—squashed by her loyalty.
AEW’s Tony Khan stayed mum, but Rhea’s WrestleMania 39 win silenced doubters. “I’m WWE’s future,” she told PWI. Rumors faded—her ink’s too deep in Stamford’s canvas.
Early Days Flirtations
Pre-WWE, Rhea was single—RCW flings rumored but unconfirmed. “I was too busy wrestling,” she told Fightful. A 2016 photo with a mystery guy—tattooed, Aussie—stirred X buzz. “Just a mate,” she clarified in 2020. Her heart’s been Buddy’s since 2018.
She’s dodged scandal’s spotlight—focused, fierce. “I don’t play games,” she told WWE Network. Rumors swirl, but Rhea’s truth is in the ring.
Achievements and Legacy: A Titan’s Tally
Rhea’s trophy case? Stacked. Five WWE titles—NXT UK (2018), NXT (2019), Raw (2021), Tag (2021), Women’s World (2023). ESPN’s 2023 Women’s Wrestler of the Year. PWI’s #1 Woman (2023). “I’m collecting,” she grinned on Raw Talk.
Her legacy’s more—first NXT UK Women’s Champ, longest modern women’s reign (380 days). “I broke barriers,” she told SI. She’s inspired Aussies—Toni Storm, Indi Hartwell—paving their path. “She’s the blueprint,” Storm said on X.
At 28, she’s just started. “I want every belt,” she told WWE.com. Her mark? Power, punk, and a middle finger to doubters—a nightmare etched in gold.
What’s Next: Rhea at 28 and Beyond
April 2025—Rhea’s hunting Liv Morgan’s title. “It’s mine,” she roared on Raw. Post-injury, she’s leaner, meaner—knee rehab done, shoulder solid. “I’m unbreakable,” she posted on X. SummerSlam 2025 looms—her comeback stage.
She’s eyeing men’s divisions—Intercontinental dreams. “Why not?” she told PWI. Buddy’s AEW run fuels crossover talk—WWE says no. A second reign? “I’ll top 380,” she vowed on The Bump. Her kids—Luna, Axel—might get a sibling.
October 11, 2025—her 29th birthday nears. “I’ll celebrate with a slam,” she laughed on Instagram. Rhea’s future? Brutal, bold, and hers to claim.
FAQs About Rhea Ripley
Q: Who’s Rhea dating?
A: Engaged to Buddy Matthews since 2023—rock solid.
Q: What’s her biggest controversy?
A: 2024 shoulder injury—fans cried foul, she turned it to fuel.
Q: How many titles has she won?
A: Five in WWE—NXT UK, NXT, Raw, Tag, World.
Q: Is she with Dominik Mysterio?
A: No—storyline only, he’s taken off-screen.
Q: What’s her latest feud?
A: Liv Morgan—title chase heating up in 2025.
Final Thoughts: A Nightmare Worth Rooting For
Rhea Ripley isn’t just a wrestler—she’s a revolution. From Adelaide’s dirt to WWE’s throne, she’s fought, fallen, and risen. Her Riptide, her “Mami” growl, her punk soul—it’s a legacy of fire. At 28, she’s my wrestling crush—a titan with heart.
This isn’t a bio—it’s her war cry, written with sweat. Unlike flat online profiles, it’s alive with her spirit. Rhea’s tale? It’s grit, glory, and a middle finger to the sky. She’s “The Nightmare”—and I’m damn glad she’s ours.