Here’s Why Rhea Ripley Missed Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Electrifying Return on SmackDown

While the entire WWE universe collectively went wild for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s return on SmackDown, Rhea Ripley was nowhere to be found. In retrospect, with what Ripley did to the icon Edge, it is safe to say she would not care about another icon returning. But where was she during the episode of SmackDown?

Ripley has gained a reputation for herself as one of the baddest and most dominant women in the WWE. She does not care about legends or newcomers, and with Nia Jax back, she has a lot on her plate. But where was she?

Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews were supporting Carlton Football Club

Despite her on-screen kayfabe relationship with Dominik Mysterio, Ripley is in a committed relationship with AEW star Buddy Matthews. The two began dating in 2021 and got engaged this year. Although they work for different brands, according to them, their bond is strong and they are happy together.

Both Matthews and Ripley, being native to Australia, support the Carlton Football Club. The duo are often seen on social media showing their support for the club as well. The AFL finals took place the same night Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson returned to the WWE and, judging by her heel persona, you can tell which she decided required her full attention.

On the official social media handle for the CFC, an image was posted with two familiar faces. The image was of Matthews and Ripley at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, cheering on their home team. Both wrestling stars were in CFC shirts to show their support. The page even tagged and thanked them for showing up.

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The Australian Football League finals are underway, with the CFC making it to the semi-finals. This is a huge moment for fans like Ripley and Matthews, who flew down to support the home team. As Ripley gets ready for her WWE feud with Nia Jax after her return, this must have been a great change of air for her.   

Ripley vs. Nia Jax, the clash of Titans

While the WWE universe is still recovering from the sudden return of the People’s Champion, The Rock, Ripley is getting ready to take on her biggest opponent yet. Nia Jax was released from the company in November of 2021. Although Ripley debuted on the main roster in March of the same year, the two never crossed paths. On the most recent episode of RAW, Jax returned to attack Raquel Rodriguez, securing the win for Ripley.

However, she then proceeded to attack Ripley after the match with a Banzai Drop from the second rope. While the WWE would lead you to believe Ripley was massively injured during this encounter, the CFC photo proves that she is doing well.

Fans are very excited to see the clash of the Titans. Ripley has never faced an opponent as big and dominating as Jax to date. So, the match is bound to be interesting.

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