WWE star Rhea Ripley reveals emotional connection with Italy

Just days before her Clash in Italy PLE match in Turin, Italy, Rhea Ripley has opened up and shared her emotional connection with the Southern European country. While hailing from Australia, Ripley recently reflected on her Italian roots.

Set to defend her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy, fans recently saw Ripley open up about her Italian heritage and recall her fond memories with her “nonno.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to Italy but never had the opportunity. This weekend I finally get to live that dream at [Clash in Italy!] My Nonna was one of the most important and strongest people in my life. 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. I miss you every day! This one’s for you! I hope I make you proud when you look down on me.”

Ripley defeated Jade Cargill at WWE WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada and has been the champion since then. Ripley is of Italian descent through her mother’s family, and it marks the first time she performs in the country. She publicly dedicated the match to the memory of her late grandmother, as seen above.

Despite winning the title almost a month ago in Apr. 2026, Ripley has not yet defended it once but has regularly wrestled on Friday Night SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event in multi-women matches. This weekend at the PLE, it will be Ripley’s first title defense since winning it.

I’ve always wanted to go to Italy but never had the opportunity. This weekend I finally get to live that dream at #ClashInItaly! My Nonna was one of the most important and strongest people in my life. Going to the country where her and my Nonno grew up feels like I’m about to… pic.twitter.com/2N93eSgsmY

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) May 27, 2026

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