Rhea Ripley’s Eating Disorder: A Champion’s Battle Beyond the Ring

She is “The Eradicator,” a dominant force in the WWE ring who has shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it means to be a female wrestler. With her gothic punk aesthetic, powerful physique, and unapologetic attitude, Rhea Ripley has become one of the most popular stars in professional wrestling. However, behind the bravado and the championship gold lies a deeply personal and ongoing battle that few fans knew about until she bravely chose to share it.

In April 2026, just days before WrestleMania 42, the 29-year-old star revealed that she has been struggling with an eating disorder. Her disclosure was prompted by relentless online speculation about her changing appearance, a weight of public scrutiny that had been weighing on her for months. This is the story of Rhea Ripley’s battle, its root causes, and her courageous journey toward healing.

Quick Bio Table

Who Is Rhea Ripley?

Rhea Ripley, born Demi Bennett on October 11, 1996, in Adelaide, Australia, is a professional wrestler who has become one of the most recognizable and dominant figures in WWE. Known for her intimidating presence, powerful in-ring style, and distinctive gothic punk aesthetic, she has amassed a massive following of over 6.7 million Instagram followers.

Ripley began her wrestling career in Australia before signing with WWE and making her NXT UK debut in 2018. She quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the NXT UK Women’s Championship and later the NXT Women’s Championship. She made history as the youngest wrestler to win the NXT UK Women’s title. Her main roster debut on Monday Night Raw in 2021 was met with immediate fanfare, and she went on to win the Raw Women’s Championship, the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and the Women’s World Championship.

She is also known for her dominant runs in the Royal Rumble and her headline matches at WrestleMania. In 2023, she was ranked the No. 1 female wrestler in the industry.

The Eating Disorder Revelation

The Online Criticism

In April 2026, Rhea Ripley found herself at the center of an online storm. Fitness influencer M.K. Angeletti posted a video on Instagram questioning her recent weight loss. In the video, he shared numerous photos of Ripley’s physique over the years, speculating that she had “lost all her aura” and claiming that she had slimmed down due to back pain caused by her muscle mass.

The video quickly gained traction, and the comments section was flooded with speculation. Some fans claimed she had quit steroids, while others simply expressed concern about her changing appearance.

The Response

Ripley, who has previously spoken out against body shaming and has clapped back at critics who called her “too manly, too bulky, too muscly,” decided to set the record straight. She responded directly to Angeletti’s post with a simple but devastating comment:

“Just a little eating disorder that I’m actively trying to handle”.

The response stunned the wrestling world and sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow wrestlers. Many fans quickly came to Ripley’s defense, urging others to stop commenting on women’s bodies.

Going Public: Why She Spoke Out

In the days following her disclosure, Ripley gave a candid interview on the Pod Meets World podcast, where she opened up about her decision to speak publicly about her eating disorder.

A Difficult Decision

Ripley admitted that she had not intended to make her struggle public. “I tried to keep the whole eating disorder quiet for a while because I’m still figuring it out,” she explained.

However, she felt that if her story could help even one person, it was worth sharing. “I try to be as vocal with my struggles as possible because if it’s going to help someone, then why not talk about it?” she said.

A Message to Her Fans

Ripley spoke about the importance of vulnerability and the impact it can have on others. “I needed that when I was going through stuff as a kid. If I knew my idols were going through these struggles and they are powering through and being amazing, and I look up to them and think they are strong and larger than life, then I can get through it too”.

She added: “That’s why I’m vocal about what I’m going through”.

The Root Cause: Stress, Control, and Trauma

Ripley has been open about what triggered her eating disorder. “With the whole eating situation, it definitely stems from stress and not being in control,” she explained. “That’s my biggest thing. I’m a very in control person. I like being in control of a lot of things”.

The Breaking Point

The stress that exacerbated her condition came from multiple sources:

A Toxic Friendship: At the time, Ripley was dealing with a now-ex-friend who was “terrorizing” her life.

The Pressure of Being “The Face of Australia”: WWE’s Crown Jewel 2025 event was held in Australia, and Ripley felt an immense burden to represent her home country. “I felt like the face of Australia in WWE,” she said. “I take full responsibility for everything that’s happening here. I take responsibility for how I perform. I take responsibility for how these fans treat my peers. I took responsibility for too much, and I just wanted to make sure everyone was happy”.

Burnout from a Grueling Schedule: The relentless travel, media appearances, and physical demands of being a top WWE star took a heavy toll.

Social Media Negativity: Ripley admitted that the constant criticism online was “really tiring”. “As soon as I click on the app, it’s negative towards me. I can’t even escape it… without seeing things about me, about my body, about my booking, about me as a human, even though they don’t know who the hell I am”.

The Collapse

The breaking point came during the Australian tour. After completing three consecutive shows—SmackDown, Crown Jewel, and Raw—Ripley collapsed in catering.

“It was bad. I had like a full panic attack and I just couldn’t — I hadn’t eaten, I hadn’t drank water, my body was shutting down, and I was probably the skinniest I’ve ever been. And I was just like dying”.

The Role of Her Support System

Buddy Matthews: Her Strong Point

Throughout her struggle, Ripley has credited her husband, fellow wrestler Buddy Matthews, with being her rock. “My husband is my strong point,” she said.

She also relies on her close friends, her dogs, and a positive environment to help her cope.

Finding Peace in Positivity

Ripley emphasized the importance of surrounding herself with people who genuinely care about her. “That’s why I try to surround myself with people that I know are there for me and care for me,” she said. “We work out together and it’s a positive environment”.

Public Reaction and Support

Fans Defend Ripley

The response to Ripley’s revelation was overwhelmingly supportive. Fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement.

“Leave female bodies alone,” one person wrote. Another commented, “You look amazing no matter what, always prioritize your health above all else”.

WWE Community Rallies

Fellow wrestlers and industry figures also expressed their support. The wrestling community, known for its intense scrutiny of performers’ appearances, showed a rare moment of collective empathy.

Her Path to Recovery

Returning to the Ring

Despite her ongoing battle, Ripley has continued to perform at the highest level. Just three days after publicly discussing her eating disorder, she delivered a remarkable performance at WrestleMania 42, defeating Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women’s Championship.

A Step Toward Healing

In May 2026, Ripley posted a new workout image on Instagram for the first time since her public disclosure. The post signaled positive progress in her recovery journey.

A Message of Hope

Ripley has dedicated her recent matches to her late grandmother, who grew up in Italy. “Going to the country where her and my Nonno grew up feels like I’m about to visit a home I’ve never had the pleasure to experience,” she wrote. “This one’s for you! I hope I make you proud when you look down on me”.

Why People Search for Rhea Ripley’s Eating Disorder

People search for this topic for several reasons:

1. Concern for her health: Fans want to know if she is okay and how she is coping.

2. Curiosity about her revelation: Her public disclosure was a shocking and brave moment.

3. Interest in her recovery: Fans want to follow her journey and see her succeed.

4. The connection between stress and eating disorders: Her story sheds light on a common trigger.

5. Support for mental health advocacy: Her openness has inspired many to seek help.

Common Misconceptions

Several misconceptions have surrounded Rhea Ripley’s eating disorder:

• She lost weight intentionally: Her weight loss was a symptom of her eating disorder, not a choice.

• She is “off steroids”: Ripley has stated that WWE wrestlers are tested and she is not on any substances.

• She slimmed down due to back pain: Ripley has denied this rumor, stating that the “interview” where she allegedly said this never happened.

Privacy & Public Information

Rhea Ripley has been open about her struggles, but she has also set boundaries. She has shared enough to raise awareness and inspire others, but she has kept certain details private, particularly regarding her treatment and specific recovery milestones.

Final Thoughts

Rhea Ripley’s decision to publicly reveal her eating disorder was an act of extraordinary courage. In a world that often demands perfection from its public figures, she chose vulnerability over pretense. Her story is a reminder that even the strongest among us can struggle, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Her journey is far from over, but she is moving forward with the same determination that has made her a champion in the ring. As she continues to heal, she is also helping to heal others by showing them that they are not alone. Rhea Ripley is not just a fighter in the squared circle; she is a fighter for mental health awareness, and her legacy will extend far beyond her championship reigns.