Rhea Ripley: From WWE Superstar to Global Pop Culture Icon

When it comes to WWE, few stars have managed to break through into global pop culture the way Rhea Ripley has. This week, Ripley became a trending name outside the wrestling world after popular rapper Drake called her his “muse” during a podcast. What started as a lighthearted comment quickly went viral on social media, with fans flooding platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with memes, edits, and reactions.

This viral moment shows how Ripley has transcended wrestling to become a figure of influence in the entertainment industry at large.

Rhea Ripley Trending Thanks to Drake

During a podcast, Drake jokingly revealed that his Instagram feed is full of Rhea Ripley clips and photos. His statement may have been in jest, but it sparked massive reactions across the internet.

Fans of both WWE and Drake were quick to turn this into a cultural moment, further proving how Ripley’s aura has expanded beyond WWE arenas into pop culture headlines.

WWE RAW in Paris: A Backstage Encounter with Asuka

On the wrestling front, Ripley continues to remain a central figure on Monday Night RAW as part of Judgment Day. At WWE RAW in Paris (September 1, 2025), she reportedly had a backstage encounter with Japanese legend Asuka while the Kabuki Warriors were competing in the ring.

This brief but significant moment has fueled speculation of a potential Rhea Ripley vs Asuka rivalry, something fans are eagerly waiting for ahead of WWE’s next premium live event.

Rhea Ripley’s Personal Life: Marriage Goes Viral

Beyond wrestling, Ripley — whose real name is Demi Bennett — has always been open and transparent with fans. In June 2024, she married fellow wrestler Buddy Matthews, and the news went viral across social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X (Twitter).

Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews got married. pic.twitter.com/DKClCTjfaj

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) June 27, 2024

Fans and fellow wrestlers from both WWE and AEW celebrated the union, showing how respected Ripley is across the industry. The wedding was more than just a celebrity event — it was a moment that reflected Ripley’s balance of success and personal happiness, making her even more relatable to fans.

Why Rhea Ripley Connects With Fans Globally

Rhea Ripley’s popularity lies in her dual persona:

• On-screen: She is a powerful, fearless, and dominant WWE champion.
• Off-screen: She is approachable, honest, and shares both her highs and struggles with fans.

This honesty makes her one of the most relatable athletes in WWE. Whether through interviews, press conferences, or social media, Ripley connects with fans on a personal level — showing that even global stars face challenges and triumphs like everyone else.

Rhea Ripley 🤳 pic.twitter.com/sjO6Lsx4kJ

— Covalent TV (@TheCovalentTV) September 2, 2025

Rhea Ripley’s Impact in India

In India, where WWE enjoys a massive following, Rhea Ripley has emerged as an inspiration for young fans, especially girls. Her journey from being a young athlete in Australia to becoming one of WWE’s biggest stars has made her a symbol of strength, courage, and independence.

For many, Ripley is not just a wrestler — she is a role model proving that success and humanity can co-exist. Her individuality and authenticity make her stand out in today’s sports entertainment world.

From dominating inside the WWE ring to becoming a pop culture icon thanks to Drake’s viral comment, Rhea Ripley continues to expand her influence globally. With her potential feud with Asuka on the horizon, and her growing status as an international superstar, Ripley is proof that WWE talent can evolve into mainstream cultural figures.

Whether it’s through her wrestling achievements, personal transparency, or viral moments, Ripley is inspiring millions across the world — and her story is only just beginning.