Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews may look like the perfect wrestling power couple nowbut according to Ripley, their story started with pure hatred.
During her interview with Chris Van Vliet, Ripley revealed the rocky beginning to their relationship, explaining how she couldnt stand Buddy the first time she met himand it all goes back to an indie wrestling show in Australia. Ripley explained that long before they shared a life together, Buddythen known as Matt Silvaearned her instant dislike after punching one of her favorite wrestlers.
That first impression stuck. Ripley admitted that after that night, they barely crossed paths. Buddy left Australia for the U.S. right as Ripley was starting out in the business, and when they did see each other at the WWE Performance Center or in passing at NXT, their conversations were short and awkward.
The two finally had a real conversation thanks to a surprising family connectionRipleys sister started dating Buddys best friend.
But it wasnt until a Halloween party at LA Knights house that things really changed. Ripley admitted she didnt even want to go to the party, but a friend convinced herand fate did the rest.
The next day, Buddy messaged Ripley to apologize for how she saw him at the party, which led to them meeting up for sushiand their entire dynamic changed.
Fast forward to today, and Ripley and Buddy are happily married with three dogsand that initial hatred? Long gone.
From despising him to building a life together, Ripleys story proves first impressions dont always tell the full story.
Were you shocked to hear Rhea Ripley hated Buddy Matthews when they first met? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
