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. Her first reign with the title lasted 380 days, making it the longest reign in the title's history along with Bayley.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 1996: Demi Bennett's Birth

In October 1996, Demi Bennett was born in Adelaide, South Australia, marking the beginning of her life and future wrestling career. She is of Italian descent through her mother's side and grew up in Glenelg, attending Henley High School.

2013: Riot City Wrestling Debut

In 2013, Demi Bennett started working in Riot City Wrestling (RCW), marking an early stage in her wrestling career.

2013: Independent Circuit Career

Since 2013, Rhea Ripley, then known as Demi Bennett, started competing on the independent circuit under her real name, which marked the beginning of her professional wrestling career.

May 2014: New Horizon Pro Wrestling Debut

On 24 May 2014, Demi Bennett made her New Horizon Pro Wrestling (NHPW) debut during the opening night of the NHPW Global Conflict, joining the Global Conflict Tournament, where she 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 in a three-way match against Savannah Summers and Toni Storm.

April 2017: Last RCW Match

In April 2017, Demi Bennett wrestled her last RCW match at RCW Strength, successfully defending the RCW Women's Championship against Kellyanne, marking the end of her tenure with the promotion.

July 2017: Signing with WWE

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

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, marking her first appearance on NXT television.

2017: Joining WWE and Mae Young Classic

In 2017, Rhea Ripley joined WWE and participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, marking her entry into a major wrestling promotion.

August 2018: Inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion

In August 2018, Rhea Ripley became the inaugural NXT UK Women's Champion, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the NXT UK brand.

2018: Mae Young Classic Appearance

In 2018, Rhea Ripley competed in the Mae Young Classic, showcasing a new aggressive attitude and reaching the semi-finals, demonstrating her evolving character and skills.

2018: Joining NXT UK and Winning 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, marking her as the first female Australian champion in WWE history.

January 2019: Losing NXT UK Women's Championship

On 12 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 and marking her first defeat in the brand. She also made her first main roster appearance at Royal Rumble on 27 January.

August 2019: Return to NXT

In August 2019, Rhea Ripley made a surprise return to the NXT brand, interrupting NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler and turning face, igniting a feud between the two.

October 2019: Final NXT UK Match

In October 2019, Rhea Ripley wrestled her last match in the NXT UK brand, defeating Nina Samuels, marking the end of her time in NXT UK.

2019: Run on NXT Brand Begins

In 2019, Rhea Ripley started her run on the NXT brand, which led to her winning the NXT Women's Championship and defending an NXT title at WrestleMania.

January 2020: NXT Women's Championship Win and Defense

In January 2020, Rhea Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler to win the NXT Women's Championship, becoming the first person to have won both the NXT Women's and NXT UK Women's Championships. She successfully defended the title against Toni Storm later that month.

February 2020: Feud with Charlotte Flair Begins

In February 2020, Rhea Ripley confronted Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair, leading to a challenge for the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36, beginning a significant feud between the two wrestlers.

January 2021: Final NXT Match and Royal Rumble Appearance

In January 2021, Rhea Ripley had her final match in NXT, losing to Raquel González in a Last Woman Standing match. She also participated in the Royal Rumble match, entering at number 14 and being the last competitor eliminated by Bianca Belair.

2021: End of NXT Run

In 2021, Rhea Ripley's run on the NXT brand concluded, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career before moving to the main roster.

January 2022: Partnership with Nikki A.S.H. Ends

On 10 January 2022, Rhea Ripley's partnership with Nikki A. S. H. ended after A. S. H. attacked Ripley. Then, at Royal Rumble on 29 January, Ripley entered at number 16 and was eliminated by Flair.

2022: Joining The Judgment Day on Raw

In 2022, Rhea Ripley was promoted to the main roster on Raw, where she joined The Judgment Day, starting a new phase in her WWE career.

January 2023: Winning the Women's Royal Rumble

In January 2023, Rhea Ripley won the women's Royal Rumble match as the first entrant, lasting 1:01:08 and eliminating Liv Morgan, thus becoming the first woman to achieve this milestone. She later declared she would challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 39.

April 2023: Winning the SmackDown Women's Championship

In April 2023, Rhea Ripley won the SmackDown Women's Championship (later renamed Women's World Championship in June). This win made her the seventh WWE Women's Triple Crown Champion and fifth WWE Women's Grand Slam Champion, as well as the first female Australian champion in WWE history.

August 2023: Engagement to Buddy Matthews

In August 2023, Rhea Ripley and Matthew Adams, also known as Buddy Matthews, got engaged.

January 2024: Retaining the Title at Day 1

On 1 January 2024, Rhea Ripley defeated Ivy Nile to retain the title, marking a successful defense early in the year.

June 2024: Marriage to Buddy Matthews

In June 2024, Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews were married.

January 2025: Winning and Losing the Women's World Championship

In January 2025, Rhea Ripley defeated Morgan to win the Women's World Championship for the second time. Later that month, she defeated Jax to retain the title. On March 3rd, she lost the title to Sky, ending her second reign at 56 days.