Rhea Ripley: “I Was Trying to be The Girl Next Door, But That Wasn’t Me”

Rhea Ripley has become one of WWE’s very top Superstars, but that has only come about after she narrowly avoided being released. 

Ripley is WWE’s reigning Women’s World Champion, a reign that began at WrestleMania 39 with her SmackDown Women’s Championship win over Charlotte Flair. Ripley’s work with The Judgment Day has been praised by fans and has helped make the ‘Mami’ one of WWE’s must-see Superstars. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lT9DIey1Ts

Ripley Is True to Herself

With her unique look, Ripley certainly stands out among the roster of WWE’s women. When she debuted in WWE, Ripley had a more traditional look to her, complete with long, blonde hair. During a recent interview with The Ringer, Ripley recalled trying to fit in with what she believed WWE wanted from her, which ironically led to talks about whether to let her go. 

“I was on the chopping block. I nearly got fired a few times. I don’t know if they wanted me to know that, but I did know that

Realizing that a change needed to be made, Ripley looked to her taste in music and the performers she has gravitated toward throughout her life. 

“They didn’t care about what anyone thought. And I really aspired to be like that. I love the studded jackets, I love the painted jackets. I love the black makeup, the black hair. I’ve always loved that grungy look. And that’s been me, deep down. I’ve just been hiding it for so long because I was trying to be the girl next door, the beachy sort of vibes, but it wasn’t me.”

Ripley’s most recent title defense saw the Eradicator retain against Ivy Nile on the Day 1 edition of Monday Night Raw. She is not booked to compete at this weekend’s Royal Rumble event. 

 Rhea Ripley recently reached another milestone in her WWE career… 

Thomas Lowson
Thomas Lowson is a content writer operating from the north of England. A fan of over 20 years, Thomas has been writing professionally since 2018 and has a degree in Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University. In 2023, Thomas was part of the press crew that covered AEW All In: London, the largest wrestling event to date in the United Kingdom. When not writing, he enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
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