History of Rhea Ripley in Timeline

Demi Bennett, known professionally as Rhea Ripley, is an Australian professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the Raw brand. She is a two-time Women's World Champion. Notably, her first reign with the title lasted 380 days, tying with Bayley for the longest reign in the title's history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 1996: Demi Bennett Born

Demi Bennett was born in October 1996. She would later sign with WWE as Rhea Ripley.

2013: Begins work in Riot City Wrestling

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

2013: Independent Circuit Career Begins

In 2013, Rhea Ripley, wrestling under her real name Demi Bennett, began competing on the independent circuit.

May 2014: New Horizon Pro Wrestling Debut

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

June 2014: Melbourne City Wrestling Debut

On June 14, 2014, Demi Bennett made her Melbourne City Wrestling debut at MCW New Horizons, defending the RCW Women's Championship in a three-way match against Savannah Summers and Toni Storm.

April 2017: Last RCW Match

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

July 2017: Signs with WWE

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

2017: Joins WWE and Participates in Mae Young Classic

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

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: Becomes Inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion

In 2018, Rhea Ripley became the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion by winning an eight-woman tournament, defeating Toni Storm in the finals.

January 2019: Loses NXT UK Women's Title; Royal Rumble Appearance

In January 2019, at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, Rhea Ripley lost the NXT UK Women's Championship to Toni Storm, ending her reign at 139 days. She also made her first main roster appearance at Royal Rumble, entering the women's Royal Rumble match.

August 2019: Returns to NXT, Feuds with Shayna Baszler

In August 2019, Rhea Ripley made a surprise return to NXT, confronting NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler and starting a feud with her.

October 2019: Final NXT UK Match

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

2019: Joins NXT Brand

In 2019, Rhea Ripley joined the NXT brand.

January 2020: Wins NXT Women's Championship; Defends Title at Worlds Collide

In January 2020, Rhea Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler to win the NXT Women's Championship, becoming the first person to have held both the NXT Women's and NXT UK Women's Championships. She then successfully defended the title against Toni Storm at Worlds Collide on January 25, 2020.

February 2020: Confronts Charlotte Flair; Title Defense at TakeOver: Portland

In February 2020, Rhea Ripley appeared on Raw, confronting Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair and suggesting she challenge for the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36. At TakeOver: Portland on February 16, Ripley successfully defended the title against Bianca Belair but was attacked by Flair after the match, who then accepted Ripley's challenge.

January 2021: Final NXT Match; Royal Rumble Appearance

In January 2021, Rhea Ripley had her final match in NXT, losing to Raquel González in a Last Woman Standing match at New Year's Evil on January 6, 2021. On January 31, at Royal Rumble, Ripley entered the titular match at number 14 and scored 7 eliminations but was the last competitor eliminated by eventual winner Bianca Belair.

2021: NXT Run Ends

In 2021, Rhea Ripley's run on the NXT brand concluded.

January 2022: Tag Team Breakup

In January 2022, Rhea Ripley's partnership with Nikki A.S.H. ended when A.S.H. attacked Ripley on the January 10, 2022 episode of Raw. At Royal Rumble on January 29, Ripley entered at number 16, eliminating Zelina, Carmella and Ivory before being eliminated by Flair.

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2022: Joins The Judgment 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 Match

In January 2023, at the Royal Rumble on January 28, Rhea Ripley won the women's Royal Rumble match as the first entrant, last eliminating Liv Morgan. She became the fourth wrestler and first woman to win the Royal Rumble as the number one entrant. Her time of 1:01:08 was the longest in a women's Royal Rumble match.

August 2023: Engagement to Buddy Matthews

In August 2023, Rhea Ripley got engaged to fellow Australian wrestler Matthew Adams, also known as Buddy Matthews.

January 2024: Title Retention at Day 1

On January 1, 2024, at Day 1, Rhea Ripley defeated Ivy Nile to retain the title.

June 2024: Marriage to Buddy Matthews

In June 2024, Rhea Ripley married fellow Australian wrestler Matthew Adams, also known as Buddy Matthews.

January 2025: Women's World Championship Win and Title Defense

In January 2025, specifically on January 6th at the Raw premiere on Netflix, Rhea Ripley defeated Morgan to become the Women's World Champion for the second time. Despite interference from Dominik and Rodriguez, Ripley secured the victory, concluding their ongoing feud. Later, on January 25th at Saturday Night's Main Event, Ripley successfully defended her title against Jax.