Rhea Ripley Tattoos: Decoding the Ink of WWE’s Nightmare

Rhea Ripley, the Australian powerhouse currently dominating WWE, is as well-known for her striking ring presence and in-your-face attitude as she is for her impressive collection of tattoos. As of October 2024, this former Women’s World Champion sports around 20 tattoos, each telling a story and adding layers to the persona of “The Nightmare.”

Before Rhea Ripley became a global phenomenon in WWE, she honed her craft on the independent wrestling scene starting in 2013. Under her birth name, Demi Bennett, she spent four years building her reputation before WWE took notice. Joining WWE in 2017, Ripley quickly made waves, reaching the semi-finals of the inaugural Mae Young Classic and becoming a cornerstone of the NXT UK brand. Her victory as the first-ever NXT UK Women’s Champion in 2018 solidified her place as a rising star. She further cemented her legacy by being the first NXT UK personality to defend an NXT title at WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event. Since transitioning to the main roster in 2022 and aligning with The Judgment Day, Ripley has reached even greater heights.

Her accolades speak volumes: NXT UK Women’s Championship, NXT Women’s Championship, WWE RAW Women’s Championship, Women’s World Title, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Rhea Ripley is a WWE Grand Slam and Triple Crown Champion, and the first Australian world champion in WWE history. Winning the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble from the coveted #1 spot further solidified her place in wrestling history. Industry accolades, including Woman of the Year from Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Female Wrestler of the Year from ESPN in 2023, underscore her impact.

But beyond the championship titles and wrestling achievements, Rhea Ripley’s tattoos offer a visual narrative of her personality and passions. Interestingly, Ripley’s tattoo journey began after she joined NXT. In a conversation with Lilian Garcia, she revealed that her fascination with tattoos started in her youth. Let’s delve into some of the prominent pieces of ink that adorn “The Eradicator.”

Unpacking Rhea Ripley’s Tattoo Meanings

While some of Rhea Ripley’s tattoos remain deeply personal, she has offered glimpses into the meaning behind a few key designs. One of the more subtle yet significant tattoos is a matching piece she shares with Toni Storm, her former rival and real-life friend from their NXT UK days. This tattoo symbolizes their bond, forged despite their on-screen competition where Ripley defeated Storm to become the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion.

Two of her more conspicuous tattoos are imbued with personal symbolism. The dagger tattoo on her arm is said to represent trust issues, a theme that resonates with her often intense and guarded on-screen persona. Another intriguing tattoo, located on her calf, depicts a rose, a wolf, and a lady. While Ripley has kept the specific meaning of this artwork private, the imagery itself suggests themes of beauty, wildness, and femininity, perhaps reflecting different facets of her complex character.

Perhaps the most visually striking tattoo in Rhea Ripley’s collection is the large demon face on her leg. While its bold and somewhat dark aesthetic might lead some to misinterpret it as a satanic symbol, the true inspiration is rooted in her deep love for heavy metal music. Ripley has openly expressed her admiration for bands like Papa Roach, even having the opportunity to introduce them for a RAW show. This demon tattoo is a testament to her passion for the genre and its influence on her life and persona.

In a Flash Morgan Webster podcast, Ripley humorously mentioned wanting to get a tattoo from Bianca Belair in the ring after a match at War Games 2019, showcasing her playful side and camaraderie with fellow wrestlers. This anecdote further illustrates how tattoos are woven into both her personal and professional life.

Check out Rhea Ripley’s Instagram for more glimpses into her life and tattoos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvhfjfBugWA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Rhea Ripley: More Than Meets the Eye

Rhea Ripley’s tattoos are not just random designs; they are carefully chosen expressions of her personality, passions, and journey. They add another layer of intrigue to “The Nightmare,” making her one of the most compelling and visually captivating figures in professional wrestling today. Her ink tells a story, just like her matches in the ring, making Rhea Ripley a truly unforgettable performer.

Rhea Ripley – Quick Facts