Why Rhea Ripley Vacated Her WWE World Women's Championship Title

Rhea Ripley, renowned in the wrestling world as Demi Bennet, took the difficult decision to relinquish her WWE World Women's Championship on April 15, 2024. This decision came in the aftermath of a brutal attack by fellow wrestler Liv Morgan, which left Ripley injured. After holding the title for an impressive 380 days, Ripley's reign came to an abrupt end due to unfortunate circumstances.

The injury, attributed to Liv Morgan's actions, was disclosed by Ripley herself, who condemned Morgan for what she deemed a cowardly assault. Promising retribution, Ripley vowed to confront Morgan at the earliest opportunity.

Hailing from Australia, Ripley's journey into professional wrestling began in 2013 when she joined Riot City Wrestling. Her talent and dedication led her to WWE in 2017, where she participated in the prestigious Mae Young Classic.

The Incident

According to credible sources from PWInsider, the crucial  moment occurred during a backstage segment where Ripley found herself on the receiving end of an unexpected assault by Liv Morgan. The weapon of choice? A chair, wielded with a force that made controversial waves through the WWE universe. While specific details regarding the nature and extent of Ripley's injury remain a mystery, the gravity of the situation is undeniable. From their initial clash in the Women's Royal Rumble to the recent escalation culminating in the backstage altercation, the tension between Ripley and Morgan has been palpable.

If Ripley is indeed forced to relinquish the Women's World Championship, it would send shockwaves across the WWE universe. The absence of a reigning champion would create a void eagerly sought after by a multitude of contenders. This void would serve as a battleground for wrestlers of all calibers, from seasoned veterans to emerging talents, each eyeing the vacant title as a chance to prove themselves on the grandest stage. The ensuing struggle for dominance would undoubtedly intensify, as competitors vie to seize the coveted championship and etch their names in wrestling history.

Will she be compelled to relinquish her coveted championship on the upcoming episode of "Raw," thereby altering the trajectory of the WWE women's division?

Glimpse into Rhea's Wrestling Career

Ripley's early years were marked by a diverse range of sporting interests, including karate, netball, rugby, and swimming. It was during a family vacation that she was introduced to the world of professional wrestling, igniting a passion that would shape her future career.

In 2013, Bennett began her wrestling career by stepping into the ring for Riot City Wrestling. Over the years, she solidified her presence in the promotion, clinching the RCW Women's Championship twice. Her talents didn't go unnoticed, as she made her debut with New Horizon Pro Wrestling on May 24, 2014, during the Global Conflict Tournament. Her tenure with RCW resulted in a memorable encounter on April 22, 2017, where she successfully defended her women's title against Kellyanne. 

In 2017, Ripley decided to sign with WWE, competing against the inaugural Mae Young Classic under the new name 'Rhea Ripley'.  

Following her impressive performance, Ripley wasted no time in making her mark on the NXT UK brand, debuting in the inaugural episode of the newly formed program. Her meteoric rise continued as she competed in the first-ever NXT UK Women's Championship tournament, ultimately emerging victorious to script her name in WWE history as the first female champion from Australia.

Ripley's affiliation with the Judgment Day wrestling stable, founded in 2022 by WWE Hall of Famer Edge and professional wrestler Damian Priest, proved to be a significant milestone in her career. Following her involvement with Judgment Day, Ripley ventured into mixed-gender tag team matches, a departure from the traditional format where participants of the same gender must switch out simultaneously. In December 2022, Ripley made waves within the wrestling community by engaging in a groundbreaking one-on-one intergender match against male wrestler Akira Tozawa. Ripley's encounter hinted at a potential shift in attitudes towards gender barriers in the world of wrestling, opening doors for her and other female athletes to compete on equal footing with their male counterparts.

Throughout her career, Ripley has faced off against wrestlers from all corners of the globe, cementing her reputation as a fearless competitor ready to take on any challenge that comes her way.