How Old Is Rhea Ripley? Age, Background, and Rise in WWE

The question “How old is Rhea Ripley?” continues to trend among wrestling fans around the world. Her commanding presence, physical dominance, and confidence inside the ring often make people assume she has been competing at the highest level for decades. In reality, her journey is even more impressive when viewed through the lens of her age. Rhea Ripley’s story is not just about numbers, but about how discipline, character, and ambition helped her rise quickly in one of the most demanding sports industries in the world. This article explores her age, background, family, physical appearance, net worth, lifestyle, and rise in WWE in a clear and human-centered way.

Profile Summary

Name	Rhea Ripley
Real Name	Demi Bennett
Date of Birth	October 11, 1996
Age	29 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Adelaide, South Australia
Nationality	Australian
Height	5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight	Approx. 137 lbs (62 kg)
Profession	Professional Wrestler
WWE Debut	2017
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	Buddy Matthews
Net Worth	$1–3 million USD (estimated)
Social Media	Instagram, X (Twitter)

Rhea Ripley’s Age and Birth Details

Rhea Ripley was born on October 11, 1996, in Adelaide, South Australia. As of 2025, she is 29 years old. Her age often surprises fans because she has already achieved milestones that many wrestlers reach much later in their careers. By her mid-twenties, she had won major championships, headlined global events, and established herself as one of WWE’s most recognizable stars. Her youth combined with her accomplishments makes her one of the most talked-about athletes in modern wrestling.

Early Life and Childhood in Australia

Growing up in Adelaide, Rhea Ripley was raised in an environment that valued independence and self-expression. She was active from a young age and showed a strong interest in physical activities. Sports and fitness played an important role in her childhood, helping her develop strength and resilience early on. Music, particularly rock and metal, also became a defining influence in her life, later shaping her bold and unapologetic personality. Although professional wrestling was not immediately a career goal, the seeds of athletic ambition were clearly present.

Discovering Wrestling as a Career Path

Rhea Ripley discovered professional wrestling during her teenage years. Unlike casual viewers, she felt a strong connection to the physical and emotional elements of the sport. Wrestling offered her a space where athleticism and individuality could coexist. At the age of 18, she decided to pursue wrestling seriously and began professional training in Australia. The early stages were demanding, both physically and mentally, but her natural strength and determination helped her adapt quickly. These formative years built the foundation for her future success.

Early Wrestling Career Before WWE

Before entering WWE, Rhea Ripley competed on the Australian independent wrestling scene. These early matches were crucial in shaping her in-ring style and confidence. Wrestling in smaller venues taught her how to connect with audiences and adapt to different opponents. She developed a reputation for intensity and power, traits that would later define her WWE persona. Although her independent career was relatively short, it played a vital role in preparing her for international competition.

Signing with WWE and Professional Development

Rhea Ripley signed with WWE in 2017, marking a major turning point in her career. She relocated to train at the WWE Performance Center, where she refined her skills under world-class coaches. The transition was challenging, as WWE’s style and expectations are significantly different from independent wrestling. Rather than rushing progress, she focused on learning and growth. This period helped her develop not only as a wrestler but also as a performer capable of connecting with a global audience.

Breakthrough Success in NXT and NXT UK

Her breakthrough came during her time in NXT UK, where she became the first NXT UK Women’s Champion. This achievement established her as a legitimate force within WWE. Her reign demonstrated leadership, confidence, and consistency, qualities that earned her respect within the locker room. When she transitioned to NXT in the United States, her momentum continued. Fans began to see her not just as a prospect, but as a future star capable of carrying an entire division.

Rise to WWE Main Roster Stardom

Rhea Ripley’s arrival on WWE’s main roster was marked by immediate impact. She entered major storylines and quickly proved she could compete at the highest level. Winning the Women’s Royal Rumble was a defining moment that solidified her status as a top-tier performer. Championship victories and high-profile matches followed, each reinforcing her image as a dominant and confident athlete. Her age made these achievements even more remarkable, as she accomplished them earlier than most of her peers.

Physical Appearance and Athletic Build

Rhea Ripley stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 137 pounds. Her muscular build reflects years of disciplined training and conditioning. She is known for her striking visual presentation, including tattoos, dark makeup, and a gothic-inspired style. This look is not just aesthetic but an extension of her personality and confidence. In the ring, her strength-based wrestling style combines power with agility, making her performances both intense and memorable.

Family Background and Personal Relationships

Rhea Ripley maintains a relatively private approach to her family life, though she has expressed gratitude for their support throughout her career. Growing up in Australia helped keep her grounded, even as her fame grew internationally. In her personal life, she is married to fellow professional wrestler Buddy Matthews. Their relationship is often admired for its balance of mutual support and shared dedication to fitness and wrestling. Despite her intimidating on-screen persona, she is widely described as loyal, humorous, and approachable by those close to her.

Lifestyle and Daily Routine

Life as a WWE superstar requires constant travel, training, and recovery. Rhea Ripley’s lifestyle reflects discipline and balance. Her daily routine centers on strength training, conditioning, and maintaining peak physical health. Outside wrestling, she enjoys music and fashion, often expressing herself through bold clothing choices. She understands the importance of mental health and rest, recognizing that long-term success depends on both physical and emotional well-being.

Net Worth and Career Earnings

As of 2025, Rhea Ripley’s estimated net worth ranges between one and three million US dollars. Her earnings come from her WWE contract, merchandise sales, premium live event appearances, and brand partnerships. Merchandise plays a significant role in her income, as her unique look and strong fan connection drive consistent sales. Financially, her growth mirrors her rising status within WWE and the broader entertainment industry.

Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement

Rhea Ripley is highly active on social media platforms, where she connects directly with fans. Her online presence offers a mix of professional highlights, training moments, and personal insights. This authenticity has helped her build a loyal and engaged following. Fans appreciate seeing both the powerful competitor and the person behind the character, which strengthens her connection with audiences worldwide.

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Why Her Age Matters in Wrestling History

Age plays a significant role in professional wrestling, influencing opportunity and longevity. Rhea Ripley’s success at such a young age places her in a rare category. She has already achieved milestones that define entire careers, yet she still has many active years ahead of her. Her age highlights not only early success but also immense future potential, positioning her as a cornerstone of women’s wrestling for years to come.

Conclusion

Understanding how old Rhea Ripley is provides deeper appreciation for what she has already accomplished. At just 29 years old, she has built a career defined by strength, confidence, and authenticity. From her early life in Australia to her rise as a WWE champion, her journey reflects dedication and fearless ambition. Rhea Ripley is not only a star of the present but a symbol of the future of professional wrestling, proving that age is not a limitation when passion and discipline lead the way.

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FAQs

How old is Rhea Ripley right now?

Rhea Ripley is 29 years old as of 2025. She was born on October 11, 1996, and will turn 29 later in the year.

What is Rhea Ripley’s real name?

Rhea Ripley’s real name is Demi Bennett. She adopted the ring name Rhea Ripley as part of her professional wrestling persona in WWE.

How tall is Rhea Ripley?

Rhea Ripley stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. Her height, combined with her muscular build, contributes strongly to her dominant in-ring presence.

What is Rhea Ripley’s estimated net worth?

As of 2025, Rhea Ripley’s estimated net worth is between one and three million US dollars, earned through her WWE contract, merchandise sales, and appearances.

Is Rhea Ripley married?

Yes, Rhea Ripley is married to fellow professional wrestler Buddy Matthews. The two are known for supporting each other’s wrestling careers and fitness-focused lifestyles.