As one of WWE’s standout Superstars, Rhea Ripley has accomplished remarkable feats in her career. But who inspired this Grand Slam Champion during her early days as a fan? Ripley opened up in a candid discussion.
Ripley’s journey in WWE is marked by multiple title reigns, where she has held the WWE NXT, WWE RAW, and WWE SmackDown Women’s Championships, alongside the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. It’s a legacy of success that mirrors that of one of Rhea Ripley’s wrestling heroes. In a conversation with The West Australian, Ripley divulged details on the wrestlers who had the greatest impact on her as she grew into a fan of the industry.
The moment that sparked Ripley’s passion came during the 2005 Survivor Series’ intense Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Ric Flair. Ripley was captivated by the way the match blended storytelling with visceral combat.
“The moment I first saw that match, I was hooked. Seeing Triple H use a screwdriver against Ric Flair, that just did it for me,” Ripley shared. “What drew me in was the narrative interplay within the matches and the raw, sometimes violent, action. I became engrossed in the characters’ storylines, rooting for them through every twist and turn.”
Exploring more of WWE’s roster, Ripley became particularly fond of Triple H, former WWE Champion CM Punk, and her utmost favorite, The Miz.
“There’s something about The Miz that just resonated with me,” she admitted. “It might have been his swagger, his undeniable confidence.” Ripley added, expressing her admiration.
Like Ripley, The Miz has achieved the Grand Slam Champion status and, in 2021, he etched his name in the WWE history books by becoming the first two-time Grand Slam Champion. This achievement followed his successful Money in the Bank cash-in against Drew McIntyre for his second reign as the WWE Champion.
READ MORE: Rhea Ripley Sets Sights on Wrestling Legend Status and Hall of Fame Ambitions
FAQs about Rhea Ripley’s Wrestling Inspirations
- What match got Rhea Ripley interested in wrestling?
- Who are Rhea Ripley’s wrestling heroes?
- Has Rhea Ripley won any championships in WWE?
- Why does Rhea Ripley idolize The Miz?
- What is a Grand Slam Champion in WWE?
The 2005 Survivor Series Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Ric Flair first captured Ripley’s attention.
Her early favorites included Triple H, CM Punk, and her top inspiration, The Miz.
Yes, Ripley has held the WWE NXT, WWE RAW, WWE SmackDown Women’s Championships, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, making her a WWE Grand Slam Champion.
Ripley admires The Miz for his confident and cocky attitude, which resonated with her as a fan.
A Grand Slam Champion in WWE is a wrestler who has won multiple championships including the primary championship, tag team championship, and secondary titles across different brands within the company.
Conclusion
Rhea Ripley’s journey in the world of professional wrestling is a testament to the powerful influence WWE Superstars can have on aspiring athletes. With her admiration and emulation of the traits of her wrestling idol, The Miz, Ripley has carved out her own legacy as a Grand Slam Champion and continues to inspire a new generation of fans and performers. It’s the storytelling, the characters, and the gritty action of wrestling that propelled Ripley into pursuing her dreams, and as she continues to reach for higher accolades, such as a Hall of Fame induction, she also sets an example for what passion and hard work can achieve in the squared circle.
