Rhea Ripley
Famous BisDemi Bennett (better known by her ring name, Rhea Ripley) is an Australian professional wrestler. Currently, she is signed to WWE and is a member of The Judgment Day stable, and holds one of the longest winning reigns as Women’s World Champion (380 days).
As a child, Ripley was drawn to the pageantry and energy of professional wrestling, and at the age of 11, she attended a local wrestling show with her family. Inspired by everything she saw at the show, Ripley became determined to become a professional wrestler.
In 2013, Rhea started working at Riot City Wrestling, an academy for wrestlers. Under the tutelage of experienced coaches, she quickly honed her skills and made a name for herself in the Australian wrestling scene, becoming a two-time RCW Women’s Champion. Her flair and charisma caught the attention of audiences and promoters alike, further pushing her independent career. In 2017, she got her first big break by competing in WWE’s Mae Young Classic Tournament, where she made a lasting impression due to her fighting style and presence in the ring.
Although she did not win the Mae Young Classic, she was offered a contract and signed with WWE and their company brand, NXT, where she continued to showcase her talent and showmanship. And in 2019, Ripley achieved a milestone in her career, winning the NXT Women’s Championship and becoming the first Australian fighter to hold the title. This win helped strengthen her status as one of the biggest figures and competitors in women’s wrestling.
During the pandemic in 2020, Ripley also made her main roster debut in WWE’s Monday Night Raw, catapulting her into the mainstream. She continues to charm and captivate audiences and fans with her fighting techniques, talent, and strength.
Outside of the ring, Ripley has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and the community. In an interview with Ok! Magazine in 2010, she came out as a lesbian, but in later interviews with various media outlets, she stated that she was bisexual. While talking with Metro.co.uk, Rhea commented,
I am bi-curious…I don’t know what that means yet. But I do like men and women equally. I just haven’t found anyone special enough to kiss yet.
After taking a break from the wrestling scene in late 2023, she announced on social media that she was engaged to fellow wrestler Buddy Matthews and planned to marry later in 2024.