Rhea Ripley, the dominant force of WWE’s women’s division, is officially married to fellow professional wrestler Buddy Matthews. The couple confirmed their union on June 23, 2024, after a long-term relationship that has captivated fans across two different major wrestling promotions. While television storylines often link Ripley to other onscreen figures, her real-life partnership with Matthews remains one of the most stable and respected relationships in the professional wrestling industry today.

The Secret Identity of Rhea Ripley and Her Husband

To understand the dynamic between this powerhouse couple, one must first look at the individuals behind the personas. Rhea Ripley, known to her family as Demi Bennett, and her husband Buddy Matthews, born Matthew Adams, are both natives of Australia. Their shared heritage and common career path in the grueling world of professional sports entertainment provided the foundation for a relationship that defies the typical "work-rivalry" logic often seen in the industry.

Buddy Matthews currently competes for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the primary rival promotion to Ripley's home, WWE. This cross-promotional marriage is a rarity in a business where schedules are notoriously difficult and corporate competition is fierce. Despite working for different banners, the couple has managed to maintain a unified front, frequently supporting each other’s milestones on social media.

The Gothic Wedding of June 2024

On June 23, 2024, Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews tied the knot in a ceremony that reflected their unique, alternative aesthetic. Eschewing the traditional bright whites and floral pastels typical of celebrity weddings, the couple opted for a theme that fans described as "perfectly on-brand." Ripley wore a stunning black off-the-shoulder gown, while Matthews complemented her in a sharp black suit.

The announcement came via Instagram with a simple yet poignant caption: "Til death. 23.06.24." The black-and-white photography showcased a couple that was not interested in conforming to Hollywood standards, but rather celebrating their own subcultural roots. The wedding was the culmination of an engagement that began nearly a year earlier in August 2023, when Matthews proposed during a beachside vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Who is Buddy Matthews? A Career Retrospective

For fans who primarily follow WWE, Buddy Matthews might still be remembered as "Buddy Murphy." His journey in the wrestling world is marked by incredible athleticism and a reputation as one of the hardest-working performers in the ring.

The Rise of the "Best Kept Secret" in WWE

Matthew Adams signed with WWE in 2013, reporting to the NXT developmental brand. It was here that he adopted the name Buddy Murphy. He quickly found success alongside Wesley Blake, capturing the NXT Tag Team Championships. However, it was his transition to the cruiserweight division that truly showcased his potential.

In 2018, Murphy moved to the "205 Live" brand, where he underwent a significant physical transformation, stripping down to exactly 205 pounds while maintaining immense power. He won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in front of a home crowd in Melbourne, Australia, at the Super Show-Down event. This victory was historic, as he became the first Australian to hold a title in WWE history—a trail he blazed just before Rhea Ripley would follow suit.

Transition to AEW and the House of Black

After a successful stint on WWE’s main roster, which included a Raw Tag Team Championship reign with Seth Rollins, Matthews was released from his contract in 2021. This turned out to be a pivotal moment for his career. In February 2022, he debuted for All Elite Wrestling, joining the dark and mysterious stable known as the "House of Black" alongside Malakai Black and Brody King.

As a member of the House of Black, Matthews has embraced a more intense, supernatural-adjacent persona. His role helped the group capture the AEW World Trios Championships, solidifying his status as a top-tier performer outside the WWE ecosystem. His current work in AEW is characterized by stiff strikes, high-flying maneuvers, and a brooding presence that matches the intensity of his wife’s WWE character.

The Real-Life "Mami": Who is Demi Bennett?

While Buddy Matthews has built a formidable legacy, Rhea Ripley’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1996, Demi Bennett began her wrestling journey in local independent promotions before being recruited by WWE for the inaugural Mae Young Classic in 2017.

From the Mae Young Classic to Grand Slam Champion

Ripley’s evolution is a masterclass in character development. She began as a smiling, blonde-haired underdog but quickly pivoted to a "Nightmare" persona characterized by heavy metal music, leather vests, and a take-no-prisoners attitude. She was the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion, later moved to NXT to dethrone Shayna Baszler, and eventually became a centerpiece of the WWE main roster.

Rhea Ripley is one of the few women in history to achieve "Grand Slam" status, having held the NXT UK, NXT, Raw, SmackDown (now Women’s World), and Women’s Tag Team Championships. Her victory over Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s matches in history, a moment that cemented her status as the face of the division.

How the Couple Met: A Story of Shared Ambition

Despite both growing up in Australia, Ripley and Matthews did not meet until they were both working under the WWE banner in the United States. Their paths crossed during the overlapping time they spent at the WWE Performance Center and on the road with the NXT and main roster brands.

They went public with their relationship in early 2022. The confirmation came through a series of "gym-motivation" posts on Instagram. Fans began noticing that the two were frequently training together, pushing each other to achieve the elite physiques that have become their trademarks. When a fan on Twitter (now X) cheekily asked Ripley what Matthews had that the fan didn't, Ripley famously replied with one word: "Me."

Addressing the Kayfabe: Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio

One of the most frequent questions regarding Rhea Ripley’s husband stems from her on-screen partnership with Dominik Mysterio. As a member of the "Judgment Day" faction in WWE, Ripley adopted the nickname "Mami" and entered into a romantic storyline with Dominik. The chemistry between the two was so convincing that casual viewers often mistook the scripted drama for a real-life affair.

However, both Ripley and Matthews have been very transparent about the nature of professional wrestling. In the industry, "Kayfabe" refers to the portrayal of staged events as real. While Ripley and Mysterio play a couple on television to generate "heat" or crowd reaction, they are strictly professional colleagues and friends.

In interviews, including an appearance on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Ripley has noted that Matthews is completely supportive of her work. He understands that the "Mami" persona is a tool to elevate her career and the show's ratings. Matthews has even made light of the situation on social media, occasionally joking about his wife’s television antics while asserting his role as her real-life partner.

The Challenges of a Cross-Promotional Marriage

The professional wrestling schedule is grueling, often requiring performers to be on the road for over 200 days a year. For Ripley and Matthews, this challenge is doubled by the fact that they work for competing companies with different travel loops. WWE typically tours from Friday through Monday, while AEW’s primary television production happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

This means the couple often has a very narrow window of time to spend together at their home in Orlando, Florida. They have credited their success as a couple to a foundation of trust and a shared understanding of the industry's demands.

"If I’m winning, he’s winning," Ripley has said in various media outlets. This philosophy of mutual support is evident in how they celebrate each other’s championship wins. When Ripley won the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania, Matthews was there behind the scenes to support her, even though he was an active member of the AEW roster at the time.

A Shared Lifestyle: Fitness and Football

Beyond the ring, Ripley and Matthews share several deep-seated interests that keep them grounded. Foremost among these is their dedication to fitness. Both athletes are renowned for their strength-training regimens. Their social media feeds are often filled with videos of them performing heavy deadlifts and intense bodybuilding circuits. This shared passion for physical excellence is more than just a hobby; it is a necessity for the high-impact world of professional wrestling.

Additionally, they remain fiercely proud of their Australian roots. They are vocal supporters of the Adelaide Football Club (the Crows) in the Australian Football League (AFL). They have been spotted attending games together when visiting their home country, often sporting the team’s colors. This connection to home provides a sense of normalcy and identity outside of their American-based fame.

What is the Future for the Power Couple?

As of late 2024, both Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews are at the peak of their respective careers. Ripley continues to be a top draw for WWE, while Matthews remains a vital component of AEW’s programming. Their marriage represents a modern era of professional wrestling where personal happiness and professional rivalry can coexist.

Fans can expect to see continued support between the two, even if they never appear on the same television screen together. Their relationship serves as a testament to the fact that even in the chaotic, often fictionalized world of professional wrestling, real-life love and commitment can thrive.

Conclusion

The relationship between Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews is a rare example of a "power couple" that transcends the boundaries of rival business organizations. From their humble beginnings in Australia to their status as global icons in WWE and AEW, they have navigated the complexities of fame, scripted storylines, and grueling schedules with grace. Their June 2024 wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but a statement of their shared identity—dark, defiant, and deeply committed.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Rhea Ripley's Husband

Who is Rhea Ripley's husband?

Rhea Ripley's husband is Buddy Matthews (real name Matthew Adams), a professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

When did Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews get married?

The couple got married on June 23, 2024. They announced the news via social media shortly after the ceremony.

What is Buddy Matthews' real name?

His real name is Matthew Adams. He previously used the ring name Buddy Murphy in WWE.

Is Rhea Ripley still with Dominik Mysterio?

In real life, Rhea Ripley has never been in a relationship with Dominik Mysterio. Their "romance" is strictly a scripted storyline for WWE television. She has been in a committed relationship with Buddy Matthews since 2022.

Are Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews both from Australia?

Yes, both are Australian. Rhea Ripley is from Adelaide, South Australia, and Buddy Matthews is from Melbourne, Victoria.

Does Buddy Matthews work for WWE?

No, Buddy Matthews currently works for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He was released from WWE in 2021.

How did Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews meet?

They met while they were both working for WWE. They bonded over their shared Australian background and their passion for fitness and bodybuilding.

What are the real names of Rhea Ripley and her husband?

Rhea Ripley's real name is Demi Bennett, and Buddy Matthews' real name is Matthew Adams.