History of Rhea Ripley in Timeline

Demi Bennett, known as Rhea Ripley, is an Australian professional wrestler signed to WWE's Raw brand. She is a two-time Women's World Champion and holds the record for the longest reign with the title, tied with Bayley at 380 days. Ripley is known for her imposing presence and aggressive in-ring style, making her a prominent figure in women's wrestling.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 1996: Birth of Demi Bennett

Demi Bennett, later known as Rhea Ripley, was born on 11 October 1996 in Adelaide, South Australia.

2013: Begins working in Riot City Wrestling

In 2013, Demi Bennett began working in Riot City Wrestling (RCW), where she became a two-time RCW Women's Champion.

2013: Independent circuit career

In 2013, Rhea Ripley, under her real name, began competing on the independent circuit before joining WWE.

May 2014: New Horizon Pro Wrestling Debut

On 24 May 2014, Demi Bennett debuted in New Horizon Pro Wrestling (NHPW) during the opening night of the NHPW Global Conflict, joining the Global Conflict Tournament but was eliminated in the first round by Mercedes Martinez.

June 2014: Melbourne City Wrestling Debut

On 14 June 2014, Demi Bennett debuted in Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW) at MCW New Horizons, where she defended the RCW Women's Championship.

April 2017: Last RCW Match

On 22 April 2017, Demi Bennett wrestled her last RCW match at RCW Strength, successfully defending the RCW Women's Championship against Kellyanne.

July 2017: Signs with WWE

In July 2017, Demi Bennett signed with WWE and began performing on the Raw brand under the ring name Rhea Ripley.

October 2017: NXT Television Debut

On 25 October 2017, Rhea Ripley made her NXT television debut, participating in a battle royal to determine a contender for the vacant NXT Women's Championship at TakeOver: WarGames on 18 November, which was won by Nikki Cross.

2017: Joins WWE and Mae Young Classic

In 2017, Ripley joined WWE and participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament.

August 2018: Inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion

In August 2018, Rhea Ripley became the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion as part of the original NXT UK roster.

2018: Joins NXT UK and Wins Championship

In 2018, Rhea Ripley joined the NXT UK brand and won an eight-woman tournament to become the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion, making her the first female Australian champion in WWE history.

2018: Mae Young Classic

In 2018, Rhea Ripley participated in the Mae Young Classic, showcasing a new aggressive attitude, and reached the semi-finals.

January 2019: Loses NXT UK Title and Royal Rumble Appearance

On 12 January 2019 at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, Rhea Ripley lost the NXT UK Women's Championship to Toni Storm. On 27 January, at Royal Rumble, she made her first appearance on a main roster pay-per-view, entering the women's Royal Rumble match.

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August 2019: Returns to NXT and Confronts Shayna Baszler

On 28 August 2019, Rhea Ripley made a surprise return to NXT, confronting NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler, turning face and beginning a feud.

October 2019: Last match in NXT UK

In October 2019, Rhea Ripley wrestled her last match in NXT UK on 5 October, defeating Nina Samuels.

2019: NXT Run Begins

In 2019, Rhea Ripley began her run on the NXT brand.

January 2020: Wins NXT Women's Championship

On 18 December 2019 (aired January 2020), Rhea Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler to win the NXT Women's Championship. On 25 January 2020 at Worlds Collide, she successfully defended the title against Toni Storm.

February 2020: Confrontation with Charlotte Flair

On 3 February 2020, Rhea Ripley confronted Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair on Raw, leading to a challenge for the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36. At TakeOver: Portland on 16 February, Ripley successfully defended the title against Bianca Belair, after which she was attacked by Flair, who accepted Ripley's challenge.

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January 2021: Final Match in NXT

On 6 January 2021, at New Year's Evil, Rhea Ripley lost to Raquel González in a Last Woman Standing match, which was her final match in NXT. On 31 January, at Royal Rumble, Ripley entered the titular match and was the last competitor eliminated by Bianca Belair.

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2021: Continued NXT Run

In 2021, Rhea Ripley was still on the NXT brand.

January 2022: End of Partnership with Nikki A. S. H. and Royal Rumble

On 10 January 2022, Nikki A. S. H. attacked Rhea Ripley, ending their partnership. On 29 January, at Royal Rumble, Ripley entered at number 16 and was eliminated by Flair.

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April 2022: Turns Face after Dominik Turns on Ripley

After interference from Dominik, on 3 August at SummerSlam, Dominik turned on Rhea Ripley and kissed Morgan, ending their partnership and fully turning Ripley face for the first time since April 2022.

May 2022: First Pinfall Loss Since May 2022

At SummerSlam on 3 August, Rhea Ripley was unsuccessful in regaining the title from Morgan after interference from Dominik, giving Ripley her first pinfall loss since May 2022.

2022: Joins The Judgement Day on Raw

In 2022, Rhea Ripley was promoted to the main roster on Raw and joined The Judgment Day.

January 2023: Wins Women's Royal Rumble

On 28 January 2023, Rhea Ripley won the women's Royal Rumble match as the first entrant, becoming the fourth wrestler and the first woman to achieve this. She also set a record for the longest time spent in a women's Royal Rumble match at 1:01:08.

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April 2023: Wins SmackDown Women's Championship

In April 2023, Rhea Ripley won the SmackDown Women's Championship, which was later renamed the Women's World Championship in June.

August 2023: Engagement to Matthew Adams

In August 2023, Rhea Ripley, whose real name is Demi Bennett, got engaged to fellow Australian wrestler Matthew Adams, known professionally as Buddy Matthews.