Latest news with #WWEWomen'sWorldChampionship
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Becky Lynch WWE Return Stalled For Major Reason
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Becky Lynch made a triumphant and impactful return to WWE programming at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, ending a year-long absence that left a significant void in the women's division. "The Man" recently shared in a candid conversation with that her much-anticipated comeback was initially slated to happen several months earlier. Still, unforeseen circumstances, including a health issue, altered those plans. Lynch explained that her hiatus, which commenced after a WWE Women's World Championship loss to Liv Morgan on Raw in May 2024, was initially intended to be much shorter. Her contract was up at the time, providing a natural window for some time off and to pursue other interests. "I took what I thought was going to be three months off during the summer, when my contract came up," Lynch recalled of her initial mindset. She added, "'Okay, seems like a good time to take a little break, get some stuff done.'" However, this planned three-month sabbatical extended considerably due to exciting opportunities outside the wrestling ring. "Then other things came up," Lynch detailed, citing her acting ventures. "I was filming 'Star Trek' and then 'Happy Gilmore' [related project]." As those filming commitments concluded, discussions within WWE turned towards orchestrating her return to the squared circle. A comeback around the time of the Royal Rumble in January 2025 was seriously considered. An emotional Becky Lynch announces she's expecting her first child on 'Monday Night RAW.' An emotional Becky Lynch announces she's expecting her first child on 'Monday Night RAW.' WWE "There was talk [of a return] around Rumble time," Lynch disclosed to This would have placed her back in WWE action several months before she eventually reappeared. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation An unexpected personal health issue arose just as these plans were solidifying. "But then at the last minute, I got a skin condition," Lynch revealed, explaining the sudden medical problem that forced a postponement of her return. This unforeseen skin condition became the primary reason the Royal Rumble comeback did not materialize. It necessitated a shift in strategy for her re-entry into WWE storylines. With the January event no longer an option, the focus naturally turned to the next grand spectacle on the WWE calendar. WrestleMania 41 in April then became the new target for "The Man's" return. Lynch herself saw the revised timing as opportune, especially with how it could play into a compelling narrative. "The next big event was WrestleMania, so it seemed to make sense," she explained of the new plan. She also cheekily referenced the storyline that facilitated her specific WrestleMania match. "...especially if I could take Bayley out of the mix and ruin her dreams. It felt doubly brilliant," Lynch added, alluding to the angle where she replaced an "attacked" Bayley. Lynch returned at WrestleMania 41, teaming with Lyra Valkyria to defeat Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. This victory was short-lived, as they lost the titles back to Morgan and Rodriguez on Raw after WrestleMania. That title loss immediately triggered Lynch's shocking heel turn on Valkyria. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Revealed: How Aussie WWE superstar Rhea Ripley could have played for the Matildas
Aussie WWE star Rhea Ripley is enjoying some of the best years of her professional career. But things could have been very different for the 28-year-old Adelaide native. The super-strong Aussie has become one of the biggest and most recognisable names on the planet but has endured a topsy-turvey 12 months. After headlining the WWE Women's World Championship in Perth on February 24, 2024, Ripley bested Nia Jax to retain her WWE Women's World Title. Despite the high of winning such a huge match, Ripley suffered a brutal shoulder injury that forced her out of action for several months. It was an agonising period for the 28-year-old Adelaide native, who had been working to reach the pinnacle of world wrestling since she was a teenager. 'When you get injured, you learn a lot about yourself, and 2024 was not very kind to me,' she told Channel 9's Wide World of Sports. Ripley grew up in Glenelg in South Australia, and attended the Henley High School. It was in 2013 when she began working for Australian wrestling promotion, Riot City Wrestling, finding her way in the sport, before going on to be crowned a two-time RCW Women's Champion. Ripley, a determined and skilful athlete, also turned her hand to several other sports, including swimming, rugby, netball and soccer. A known Adelaide FC fan, and had played football for the semi-pro football club Fulham United, who are based in West Beach. And while the WWE superstar could perhaps have gone down the path of playing pro football, the wrestler has showcased her skills in the past. While featuring in a video on Juventus' Instagram account, Ripley showcased her impressive skills, performing several keepy-uppies while also holding up a Juventus home jersey. She did all this while wearing a pair of high-heeled boots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FANPAGE - Rhea Ripley 🖤💜 (Erica) (@rhearipleyfans) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Juventus (@juventus) Ripley (right) said she was inspired to get into wrestling after watching a match between Triple H and Ric Flair But after watching the likes of Triple H and Ric Flair step into the ring to do battle, Ripley instead opted for a life in WWE. 'My friends showed me a clip of Triple H versus Ric Flair, and Triple H shoved the screwdriver in Ric Flair's head. Yeah, that got me into wrestling,' she told Sportskeeda. Ripley, whose real name is Demi Bennett and married fellow WWE star Buddy Matthews last year, signed with WWE in 2017 before going on to compete in the inaugural Mae Young Classic. She'd go on to be crowned the NXT Women's Champion, the Raw Women's Champion, before going on to star as the Women's World Champion. Reflecting on her 2024, Ripley admitted she had to battle with her mind to challenge for the World Championship again but had suffered another brutal injury in the process. 'It definitely was a mental struggle and also a physical struggle - training legs every single day was terrible, but I finally came back and I got to go for my world championship again and try and grab that back - but then I broke my orbital bone (eye socket),' she said. 'It was just injuries flying left and right, but I learned a lot about myself in that I can pretty much overcome whatever is in my way, and that's such a strong thing to realise.'
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE's Rhea Ripley Explains the Challenges of Being Married to Wrestler in Rival Company: ‘It's Hard'
It's been a year of growth, learning and major change for WWE star Rhea Ripley — both inside and outside of the ring. Ripley, 28, who will challenge for the WWE Women's World Championship against champion Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair on Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 on Sunday, April 20, got married to pro wrestler Buddy Matthews in June 2024. Advertisement Matthews, 36, previously wrestled in WWE, but is now part of the roster in All Elite Wrestling. Given their chaotic — and often conflicting — travel schedules, Ripley admitted the first year of marriage hasn't always been a walk in the park. 'Not being around each other 24/7 has been hard — it really is hard,' Ripley exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her partnership with C4 Energy. 'I miss being home, I miss the dogs, I miss everything.' Rory Culkin Makes Rare Public Appearance With Brother Macaulay at 'WWE Raw' on Netflix However, Ripley noted, 'He always said to me that distance makes the heart grow fonder.' Advertisement 'When we are together, we're just such similar people,' Ripley continued. 'Like, we're literally the same person. Anything that I hate in him is something that I would probably be doing, too. I can give him that leniency because I'm just like, 'OK, I'm annoying, too.'' When Ripley and Matthews do find themselves at home at the same time, she explained that wrestling is often the last thing on their minds. 'Normally, we don't talk about work,' she said. 'When I come home from being on the road, I'll tell him how everything went. I'll vent if I need to vent. It's the same when he comes back, as well. But that's about it. Other than that, we don't really talk about work because we like doing so many other things. He's literally my best friend and everything that we do is so much fun.' Ripley added, 'We have fun going to the gym together. That's one thing we do every single day. Even if we don't work out together, we're still sending each other messages or walking past and talking to each other.' Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images Ripley will kick off a long WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas with a meet-and-greet at WSKY Bar + Grill on Thursday, April 17, from 5-7 pm local time. Advertisement Nikki Bella Wants to Fight 'Traitors' Costar Robyn Dixon Inside a WWE Ring The superstar gushed about the opportunities she gets to interact with her fans, who sometimes wait 'for literal hours' to see her. 'I love being able to meet them and hear some of their stories,' Ripley said. 'I don't like when it's super rushed. I actually want to hear what they have to say. Sometimes it's so meaningful and sometimes they really do need that extra minute or two minutes just to let out some tears or give a little thank you or give me a gift, or whatever it is.' Ripley added, 'It's a really special moment for me.' Nights 1 and 2 of WrestleMania 41 stream live Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, respectively, at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Beloved WWE Superstar Gives Exciting Injury Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. One of the biggest highlights of WrestleMania 41 was Iyo Sky successfully retaining the WWE Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. It was definitely the best week of my life!! Thank you so much, I love you all!!!💖#WrestleMania @WWE — IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) April 23, 2025 While the match was arguably the best of the weekend and Sky definitely deserves her flowers, there was one thing missing: the rest of Damage CTRL. More Pro Wrestling: Bayley May Be Leaving WWE: Report One of the most popular factions in WWE today, Damage CTRL is made up of Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Dakota Kai. Unfortunately, the latter three have been off WWE television due to injury. Fortunately, it appears that one of those Superstars could return soon. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Kairi Sane and Asuka are introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Kairi Sane and Asuka are introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensOn April 12, "The Sky Pirate" Kairi Sane shared her recovery progress on social media. "Three months ago, I tore a ligament in my thumb and couldn't even open a bottle cap," Sane said. "Now, I've fully regained my grip strength—and I'm even stronger than before." Three months ago, I tore a ligament in my thumb and couldn't even open a bottle cap. Now, I've fully regained my grip strength—and I'm even stronger than before. I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to Dr. Hirsch, who performed my was such a kind and… — Kairi Sane (@KAIRI_official) April 13, 2025 "I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to Dr. Hirsch, who performed my surgery. He was such a kind and wonderful doctor. I wish I had taken a photo with him to remember that moment." Fans immediately spoke out in support of the beloved Superstar, praising her for her strength and showing excitement for her to come back. In addition to this news, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that Sane was seen backstage at WrestleMania 41, potentially indicating she will make her WWE in-ring return soon. More Pro Wrestling: Bianca Belair Reportedly Suffered Significant Injury at WrestleMania Sane began her professional wrestling career in Japan with World Wonder Ring Stardom in 2011 and would remain with the promotion until 2017. In 2017, Sane appeared in WWE's Mae Young Classic, winning the tournament and earning a shot at the NXT Women's Championship. After making her NXT debut in October 2017, she would face off against Ember Moon, Nikki Cross, and Peyton Royce for the title at NXT Takeover: WarGames 2017. Unfortunately, she would lose the match to Moon. More Pro Wrestling: Released WWE Superstar Breaks Silence On Departure Sane would remain in WWE until 2021, forming multiple tag teams with Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky (then Io Shirai) as "The Sky Pirates," and Asuka as "The Kabuki Warriors." After leaving WWE, Sane returned to Japan, wrestling for Stardom and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In 2023, she returned to WWE as a member of Damage CTRL, where she has remained ever since. In her pro wrestling career, Sane has taken home the IWGP Women's Championship, the World of Stardom Championship, the NXT Women's Championship, and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship twice with Asuka. More Pro Wrestling: The Bella Twins Are Returning To WWE WWE Legends Pay Tribute to Late Steve 'Mongo' McMichael For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Fox News
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
WrestleMania 41 Night 2 will see John Cena trying to make history against Cody Rhodes
The second night of WrestleMania 41 will certainly be one to remember with Cody Rhodes and John Cena headlining the main event that pro wrestling fans will be talking about the entire week, but it is far from the only match on the card on the second night of the biggest spectacle in sports. The second night will feature at least six matches with five champions defending their titles in either singles or tag-team competitions. There are two multi-person matches and a street fight set for the bright lights in the city of sin. Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 will take place at Allegiant Stadium at 7 p.m. ET in Las Vegas. It is the second WrestleMania to take place in the Las Vegas area and the first since WrestleMania IX in 1993. U.S. fans will be able to watch on Peacock and international fans on Netflix. Read below for a preview of the second night. -- Iyo Sky lost the WWE Women's World Championship at last year's WrestleMania to Bayley, and it took her nearly a year to get back into the title picture. After Rhea Ripley cost Sky a chance at being in the women's Elimination Chamber, she offered Sky a title shot weeks before WrestleMania. Ripley was distracted by the women's chamber winner Bianca Belair sitting at ringside and lost her focus. Sky capitalized and stunned Ripley to win the championship. The WWE Universe thought it would be Sky and Belair at WrestleMania, but Ripely found a way into the match and instead it being one-on-one, it became a triple threat. Ripley was disqualified in her rematch against Sky but made herself a force to be reckoned with over the last few weeks to insert herself back into the title picture. Ripley will look to win her third consecutive WrestleMania match and fourth straight match involving a singles title. Belair has had success in title matches at WrestleMania – winning or retaining the women's title three times. The match between Logan Paul and A.J. Styles has been a recent addition to the WrestleMania card. Styles headlined the first premium live event after WrestleMania 40 with a title match against Rhodes at Backlash. However, he has only had a few televised matches since then, apart from an appearance in NOAH over the summer. Styles reappeared at the Royal Rumble but was ousted, and he defeated "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio on Raw back in February. Paul has been a thorn in Styles' side since the Royal Rumble. Paul missed his own chance to get a marquee matchup at WrestleMania, losing out in the Royal Rumble and in the Elimination Chamber. "The Maverick" has been known to create viral WrestleMania moments and is poised to do it one more time. Liv Morgan's 2024-25 has been eventful to say the least. She was able to hold the Women's World Championship for months before she lost it to Rhea Ripley at the beginning of January. She and Raquel Rodriguez then entered the tag-team scene and won the titles from Belair and Naomi in February. Since then, Morgan and Rodriguez have been on top of the world. Morgan even scored a key win over Jade Cargill at the end of March on "Fright Night SmackDown." At WrestleMania, the champs will have new challenges in Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. The newly formed tag team won a gauntlet match to become the No. 1 contenders for the title. It came after Bayley fell short of Valkyria for the Women's Intercontinental Championship. Bron Breakker has been on an absolute tear since he was called up to the main roster this year. He won the Intercontinental Championship from Jey Uso in October and has not lost it since. However, WrestleMania 41 poses a formidable challenge since he does not have to be pinned to lose it. Penta, Mysterio and Finn Balor will all participate the fatal four-way match. Penta joined WWE in January and has become one of the most electrifying performers in recent memory. His lucha libre-style of wrestling has delighted the WWE Universe and has helped him become a contender for the title. Mysterio and Balor are the two leaders of a crumbling Judgment Day faction. Mysterio has drawn a ton of heat since he joined Judgment Day, but his on-screen partner Liv Morgan has helped Mysterio go through some changes since he dumped Ripley at SummerSlam. Balor was once a WWE world champion and could revive his standing on the roster with Breakker's title. Balor has tons of experience when it comes to championship matches but has not won a match at WrestleMania since WrestleMania 35 in 2019. The match between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre appeared to be about a year in the making. McIntyre won the World Heavyweight Championship in an epic match with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 last year. McIntyre celebrated in front of an injured CM Punk, who was on commentary as he was injured. However, his celebration did not last long. Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre. Since then, McIntyre has been on a revenge tour. He had three hellacious matches against Punk in the summer. Priest moved from the Raw brand to SmackDown, and since then, the gloves have been off between the two competitors. Priest slammed McIntyre threw a car windshield, which appeared to legitimately injure McIntyre's eye. The feud was at a fever pitch, and Nick Aldis announced the two would finish it off in Las Vegas at WrestleMania 41. On the penultimate SmackDown before WrestleMania, their match was announced as a Sin City Street Fight. McIntyre ripped off his eyepatch and vowed to leave Priest helpless. He nearly did that by giving him a Future Shock DDT on the steel steps. Rhodes and Cena have turned a mutual admiration for each other into a bitter feud that started at the Elimination Chamber premium live event when Cena sided with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and beat Rhodes down with some help from rapper Travis Scott of all people. Since then, the two have traded plenty of barbs with each other over the last few weeks. It ended in London when Cena tried to go for a cheap shot on Rhodes. "The America Nightmare" turned it around on Cena and hit him with the Cross Rhodes. Rhodes told Fox News Digital that this matchup against Cena feels like it was the "first-time ever" for him. "So, now, looking at the matchup, that's why I say it feels like a first-time-ever for me, because early in my career, I hadn't found my footing. I didn't know who I was," he said. "And now, especially judging from these past several interactions in the ring, I feel like we do know who each other are now. "I couldn't have put it in my wildest dreams that this would be a WrestleMania headline match and main event, especially under the circumstances it's come under. But that's the beautiful thing about pro wrestling; it's too tough to call." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
