2024 has been a significant year for former WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. Despite a three-month hiatus from television due to injury, Ripley has continued to make headlines with her stellar performances and personal milestones. Headlining the Elimination Chamber PLE in her home country of Australia and defeating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40 to retain her title were just the beginning. Ripley also celebrated her marriage to fellow wrestler Buddy Matthews, known as Buddy Murphy in WWE and now a member of AEW’s House of Black.
Backstage Reunion with Serena Deeb
During her time with WWE’s NXT brand, Ripley trained extensively with former WWE superstar Serena Deeb, who now wrestles for AEW. The bond they forged was evident in a recent emotional reunion at AEW Double or Nothing. Serena Deeb shared this touching moment on Gabby LaSpisa’s Gabby AF podcast, providing fans with a rare glimpse into the personal connections within the wrestling community.
Serena Deeb’s Recollection
Serena Deeb, reflecting on her time with Ripley, recalled their special bond at the WWE Performance Center. Deeb and Scotty 2 Hotty were pivotal in Ripley’s development, providing support and encouragement. Deeb recognized Ripley’s star potential early on, stating, “I knew. I was like, this girl’s a star. Once she gets that right thing, forget about it, she’s gonna rise so fast, which she has.”
Emotional Encounter at Double or Nothing
The reunion between Ripley and Deeb at AEW Double or Nothing was marked by deep emotions. Deeb described the moment vividly: “I saw her, I couldn’t believe it when I saw her. I was completely shocked. We embraced each other, I gave her the biggest hug, and we seriously did not let go for like ten minutes. We were just standing there with our arms around each other. I cried multiple times.”
Deeb’s admiration for Ripley’s journey and perseverance was evident as she praised her friend: “I told her, ‘I’m so proud of you, I knew it. You’ve persevered through so much.’ I love watching her. I think she’s the biggest star in women’s wrestling. I think her in-ring work is incredible, on top of all her character work. She’s number one. I told her that.”
The Impact of Rhea Ripley
Ripley’s influence in the wrestling world is undeniable. Deeb emphasized Ripley’s status, saying, “In my personal opinion, she’s just operating at a level that, there’s a lot of great women, but she’s up here in my opinion.” This high praise from a respected veteran like Deeb underscores Ripley’s impact and potential for future greatness.
Dream Match Possibilities
The emotional reunion also sparked talk of a potential dream match between Ripley and Deeb. “When I saw her, I was like, ‘I want to wrestle you so bad.’ I think for both of us, it’s a dream match, for sure,” Deeb shared. This potential clash of titans would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event for wrestling fans worldwide.
Ripley’s Return to WWE
While there’s no official date for Ripley’s return to WWE television, rumors suggest she could make a comeback at SummerSlam in Cleveland on August 3rd. If she returns, Ripley is likely to target current Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.
