10 Fascinating Backstage WWE Facts About Rhea Ripley
2. She’s Had Reconstructive Surgery On Her Ears
As already discussed, Rhea’s goth look is an essential part of her character, which is why she wrestles with full make-up, full leather, and a full set of piercings. Unfortunately, this bold decision came back to haunt her during a match with Io Shirai.
Whilst challenging the modern day Iyo Sky for the NXT Women’s Championship in November 2020, Ripley was dealt a grotesque injury after having five earrings ripped out during the bout.
According to Fightful, she suffered “multiple contusions and abrasions on both ears” after losing her jewellery, with doctors needing to graft pieces of skin from other parts of her ears to make them “look normal again”.
If anyone needs to be sick, please vacate the room now. There are buckets outside.
Unfortunately, this would not be the last time Ripley was done in by her piercings during a match.
In 2023, whilst facing Natalya on Raw, Rhea’s smiley - a piercing of the inner lip - was completely torn out, leaving her visibly bloody on live TV.
You’d have thought she’d learned after the last time. Clearly not.