Rhea Ripley stands out as one of the most powerful female wrestlers globally today. Her remarkable physique, characterized by significant muscle mass, sets her apart from the average wrestler. This impressive physique is the result of rigorous gym sessions and a disciplined diet.
Initially, Ripley’s body was noticeably leaner when she began her career, lacking the muscular definition that now defines her. Over the years, her physique has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving impressively to its current state.
Rhea Ripley’s Insane Body Transformation Is Truly Inspirational
What a difference seven years can make. The evolution of a WWE Superstar throughout their career is something fans truly appreciate, and Rhea Ripley exemplifies this notion perfectly. Her journey demonstrates that the early stages of a wrestler’s career may not accurately depict the Superstar they’ll become in the future. However, this transformation hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Ripley.
1) Her Time In The Independent Circuit
Rhea Ripley began her professional wrestling career in Australia back in 2013, where she was known as Demi Bennett. Her youthfulness is evident, and she doesn’t quite have the appearance of a seasoned professional wrestler.
In 2014, Demi Bennett became the Riot City Wrestling Women’s Champion, and she was simply getting ready for the long and successful road that lay before her, as she would eventually leave the independents.
2) 2017 Mae Young Classic
Rhea Ripley made her WWE debut at the 2017 Mae Young Classic. In her first match against Miranda Salinas, Ripley emerged victorious, advancing to the next round. However, her journey in the tournament ended when she faced Dakota Kai and was eliminated.
Following her Mae Young Classic appearance, Ripley made only one more TV appearance, participating in a battle royal on NXT. This snapshot showcases Ripley’s look in 2017, where she was noticeably more muscular and still had her blonde hair, though it’s worth noting that she wasn’t entirely comfortable with it at the time and would soon undergo a significant transformation.
3) 2018 Mae Young Classic
In the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Rhea Ripley unveiled her new look for the first time, sporting a cooler, edgier, and more badass character. Alongside her evolving physical shape, this transformation marked a significant shift in Ripley’s persona.
The new character resonated perfectly with Ripley, allowing her to make a swift impact. Throughout the tournament, she secured victories against MJ Jenkins, Kacy Catanzaro (now known as Katana Chance), and Tegan Nox. However, her journey came to an end in the semi-finals, where she faced Io Shirai (now known as IYO SKY) and was defeated.
4) NXT Women’s Champion In 2019
On the December 18, 2019, episode of NXT, Rhea Ripley achieved a significant milestone in her career by defeating Shayna Baszler to capture the NXT Women’s Championship. It was undoubtedly one of the standout moments for the Australian wrestler.
During this period, Ripley’s appearance continued to evolve, exuding a more badass and intimidating aura, while her physical conditioning improved significantly. Her displays of strength became increasingly impressive, solidifying her status as a world-class wrestler. Her punk rock aesthetic gained full steam and fans were truly behind her.
5) Main Roster Call-up In 2020
Rhea Ripley received a call-up to the WWE main roster just weeks before WrestleMania 37, where she immediately set her sights on challenging Raw Women’s Champion Asuka. At the Showcase of the Immortals, “The Nightmare” defeated Asuka to capture the title.
While her overall appearance remained largely consistent with her time as NXT Champion, there were noticeable improvements in the tone and definition of her legs by the time she transitioned to the main roster.
6) Women’s World Champion In 2023
The current iteration of Rhea Ripley is definitely her best. With her impressive physique characterized by substantial muscle mass in her arms, back, legs, and overall physique, she has never appeared more intimidating. This physical transformation aligns perfectly with her heel persona, contributing to the success of her current run.
Ripley’s dominance is evident in her track record; she hasn’t been pinned since May 2022, won the 2023 Royal Rumble match, and currently holds the Women’s World Championship. Dubbed “The Eradicator,” she appears virtually untouchable and poised to dominate WWE for the foreseeable future.
Moreover, Ripley has showcased her immense strength by effortlessly overpowering several male WWE Superstars, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with. She is set to defend her title against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40 next month, so we’ll have to see if she will win in the end.
