Imagine a young girl in Adelaide, Australia, kicking a soccer ball and dreaming about something bigger. That girl was Rhea Ripley, born Demi Bennett. She chose a different path and stepped into the world of professional wrestling. As of January 4, 2026, she is 29 years old and one of WWE’s biggest stars. With her tattoos and intense presence, she has changed how many fans see women’s wrestling. Known as The Nightmare, she built a career through focus and hard work.
Many fans have followed her journey since her early days in NXT. From the start, she stood out. Her strength, confidence, and serious attitude made her different. She brought power and emotion to every match. Over time, she moved from smaller wrestling shows to the biggest stage at WrestleMania. Each step showed her growth and determination.
Rhea Ripley is more than a champion. She represents a new style and mindset in wrestling. She has won major titles, built a loyal fanbase that calls her Mami, and earned respect across the industry. Her journey reflects passion, discipline, and belief in herself. Today, she stands as one of the defining figures of her generation in professional wrestling.
Early Days: From Adelaide to the Ring
Rhea Ripley was born on October 11, 1996, in Adelaide. Her real name is Demi Bennett. She grew up in a close family. Her father, Peter, worked as a builder. Her mother, Tracy, worked in hospitality. She also has a sister named Calista. Her childhood was active and grounded in sport.
She attended St. Francis Xavier College. School itself was not where she felt most confident. Sports were her focus. She played soccer, rugby, and netball. She described herself as a tomboy in interviews. Physical competition came naturally to her.
At 14, she saw WWE on television and became interested in professional wrestling. Watching stars like Triple H and The Undertaker made a strong impression on her. The intensity and larger than life characters drew her in. She later said she was attracted to the chaos and energy of it.
By the age of 16, she began training with Riot City Wrestling. She balanced school with wrestling training. The early days were demanding. She traveled by bus to events, competed in small venues, and stayed with friends to save money. There was little glamour. What she had was commitment.
Those early struggles shaped her mindset. She built her confidence match by match. The name The Nightmare would come later, but the foundation was already there. From local shows in Australia, she began building the path that would eventually take her to the global stage.
Rhea Ripley: Personal Details (Updated 2026)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley in-ring) |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1996 |
| Age | 29 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 (2026) |
| 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, such as Celeb Health Magazine. These should be treated as speculative rather than definitive.
- Build: Ripley is known for her muscular, athletic physique, developed over years of training, which contributes to her imposing presence in the ring.
Indie Beginnings: Riot City Roots
Rhea Ripley began her wrestling career with Riot City Wrestling in 2013. She was 16 years old when she debuted under her real name, Demi Bennett. She was still learning, but she showed confidence and toughness from the start. Her first match ended in defeat, yet it marked the beginning of her development inside the ring.
By 2014, she had already won the RCW Women’s Championship. She would go on to hold the title multiple times. Those early championship reigns helped establish her as one of the top young talents in the promotion.
RCW became her training ground. She faced a wide range of opponents and worked to refine her style. She focused on building strength and improving her power-based offence. Coaches such as Matt Basso played a role in her development and helped her understand the physical and mental demands of professional wrestling.
Her presentation during this period was still evolving. She embraced a bold look and projected intensity, but she was still shaping the persona that would later define her career. The foundation of her in ring identity was built during these years in Australia.
By 2017, she had achieved several reigns as RCW Women’s Champion and gained valuable experience. She felt prepared for a larger stage. That same year, she signed with WWE. The move marked the end of her time on the Australian independent circuit and the start of a new chapter within WWE’s global system.
NXT UK: The First Crown
On October 25, 2017, Rhea Ripley made her first appearance at the NXT UK television tapings under the WWE banner. She was 21 years old and still early in her development, but she carried strong presence. Her intense style and alternative look stood out immediately.
NXT UK focused heavily on technical wrestling. Ripley’s physical approach and aggressive attitude created a contrast. Instead of struggling, she adapted. Over time, she became one of the brand’s most visible rising stars.
On August 25, 2018, she won the NXT UK Women’s Championship tournament. In the process, she defeated competitors including Xia Brookside, Dakota Kai, and Toni Storm. The tournament final lasted about 20 minutes and established her as a central figure in the division. With that victory, she became the first NXT UK Women’s Champion.
Her title reign lasted 139 days. During that time, she defended the championship against challengers such as Storm, Jinny, and Isla Dawn. The run reinforced her credibility and helped define the early identity of the division.
The NXT UK period also marked a physical and professional evolution. Ripley added muscle, refined her in ring timing, and strengthened her character presentation. Her performances drew attention from WWE leadership, including Triple H.
By 2019, she transitioned from NXT UK to the main NXT brand in the United States. She left the United Kingdom having established herself as a founding champion and one of the standout performers of the brand’s early years.
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. On April 11, at 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.