In the realm of WWE, Australia has birthed some exceptional talents, and two names that echo in recent memory are Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews. The latter was previously known as Buddy Murphy. As fate would have it, both champions had their victorious moments on home soil. The burning question, however, is whose triumph resonated more with the passionate Aussie crowd?
A Tale of Two Victories
In 2018, Buddy Murphy etched his name in history by conquering Cedric Alexander in Melbourne, Australia, clinching the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Fast forward to 2024, and we find Rhea Ripley electrifying the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, retaining her Women’s World Championship at the Elimination Chamber. Two victories, two hometown heroes – but who truly captured the hearts of the audience?
Crowd Size vs. Roaring Cheers
The numbers suggest a clear winner in the crowd size department, with WWE Super Showdown 2018 boasting a colossal 70,000 fans (or 60,000 by some accounts), while Elimination Chamber 2024 drew a substantial but smaller crowd of 52,590 at the Optus Stadium. But in the unpredictable world of WWE, it’s sometimes about something other than the sheer numbers.
Despite the difference in attendance, the resonating cheers and visual support from the fans at Elimination Chamber spoke volumes. Rhea Ripley, a powerhouse on the women’s roster, emerged as the people’s champion. Garnering more fervent cheers than her fiancé Buddy Murphy did during his Cruiserweight triumph. It’s not just about the quantity of the crowd but the quality of their enthusiasm, and in this case, Mami took the spotlight.
The Road to WrestleMania XL: Mami vs. The Man
Elimination Chamber 2024 marked a crucial turning point as it solidified the path to WrestleMania XL. Rhea Ripley’s victory over Nia Jax set the stage for a colossal showdown against Becky Lynch at WWE’s grandest stage of them all. The clash of these titans promises an unforgettable spectacle. And the Australian crowd’s roar at Elimination Chamber foreshadows the thunderous support Ripley might receive at WrestleMania.
View this post on Instagram
The night was not just about securing a title defense but about asserting dominance. Becky Lynch, overcoming five other women inside the Elimination Chamber, added more fuel to the already blazing rivalry. Ripley vs. Lynch, the Brutality against The Man – a showdown that promises to define the legacy of the Women’s World Championship.
Countdown to WrestleMania XL
As the dust settles from the Elimination Chamber, the WWE universe braces for the colossal clash between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch. The road to WrestleMania XL is paved with anticipation and speculation. Who will emerge as the Undisputed World Champion? Will Mami conquer The Man, or will Lynch’s legacy continue to reign supreme?
WWE WrestleMania XL is set to unfold on April 6 and 7, 2024, at the iconic Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fans can witness this epic battle live at the venue or tune in to WWE Network and Peacock for the broadcast in the United States.