WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley recently showed off her skills by performing a move reminiscent of pro wrestling legend Rikishi during a live event match against Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Ripley executed Rikishi’s infamous “stink face” move on Jax, which caught the attention of her fiancée, All Elite Wrestling star Buddy Matthews. This move harkened back to Rikishi’s prime, where he would use his rear end to incapacitate his opponents in the ring. Despite this cheeky moment, Ripley emerged victorious in the match against Jax and Baszler.
Ripley and Matthews, who began dating in 2022 and got engaged in August 2023, have been making waves in the wrestling world with their individual careers. Matthews previously wrestled in the WWE from 2013 to 2021 before making the move to AEW in 2022. In AEW, Matthews teamed up with fellow wrestlers Malakai Black and Brody King to form the House of Black faction. Ripley, on the other hand, has been dominating as the RAW women’s champion for nearly a year, after defeating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles in 2023. She is currently on the road to WrestleMania 40, where she is scheduled to defend her Women’s World Championship against Becky Lynch.
Despite her impressive track record, Ripley has not been involved in a loss since teaming up with Dominik Mysterio in a tag-team match against Dragon Lee and Lyra Valkyria at Heatwave. Her last title defense came in a victory over Jax at Elimination Chamber in Australia, her home country. As she continues to cement her legacy as one of the top female wrestlers in the industry, fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming match against Lynch at WrestleMania 40. With her undeniable talent and dedication, Ripley is sure to deliver a memorable performance at the highly-anticipated event.
The playful moment involving Ripley’s stink face move during the live event showcases the fun and entertainment that the wrestling world brings to fans worldwide. It also highlights the camaraderie and support between Ripley and Matthews, as they continue to excel in their respective careers within the wrestling industry. Their engagement and relationship add a personal touch to their professional achievements, further endearing them to fans who enjoy following their journey. As they navigate the highs and lows of the wrestling world together, Ripley and Matthews prove to be a formidable couple in and out of the ring.
As Ripley prepares for her upcoming title defense against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40, she remains focused on solidifying her position as the top female wrestler in WWE. With her fierce determination and impressive skills, Ripley has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Fans can expect an intense and thrilling match between Ripley and Lynch, as they both strive to prove their dominance and claim the Women’s World Championship. The anticipation surrounding this highly-anticipated showdown only adds to the excitement and buzz surrounding the upcoming WrestleMania event, where Ripley is sure to deliver another standout performance.
