WWE’s powerhouse, Rhea Ripley, has always been known for her fierce persona and brutal in-ring presence. But lately, fans are buzzing about something beyond her championships — her remarkable 30-pound weight loss transformation.
How did “Mami” manage to shed this weight while still maintaining her trademark strength? What pushed her to change, and how has it reshaped her life and career?
The story behind Rhea Ripley’s weight loss journey is not just about numbers on a scale. It’s a tale of resilience, self-awareness, and redefining beauty in a sport obsessed with appearances.
Rhea Ripley’s Rise to WWE Stardom and Hidden Struggles
Born as Demi Bennett in Adelaide, Australia, Rhea Ripley made her WWE debut in 2017. She quickly stood out—not for fitting the “typical” mold of a female wrestler—but for shattering it. Short, muscular, with a punk-rock edge, Ripley became a symbol of empowerment for fans who didn’t relate to mainstream beauty standards.
But behind the fierce persona, Ripley was grappling with health setbacks that fans never saw.
In 2025, she revealed: “I’ve been dealing with a back injury for years. It made some days feel impossible.”
The injury wasn’t just a physical battle; it became a mental one. Reduced mobility, inconsistent training sessions, and the pressure to maintain her “brutal” image started taking a toll.
The Turning Point: Why Rhea Ripley Decided to Change
What triggered Ripley’s transformation wasn’t vanity—it was the realization that her body couldn’t carry the extra weight while battling injuries.
“I reached a point where I knew—either I change my habits or I’ll be forced to take a break from the ring, maybe for good.”
At her peak weight, Ripley tipped over 200 pounds (90 kg). Though she was still lifting heavy and performing, the extra mass compounded her back issues.
She had a choice: push through pain and risk long-term damage, or evolve.
Rhea Ripley’s Weight Loss Strategy: No Fads, No Shortcuts
1. Adjusting Training to Work With, Not Against, Injuries
Instead of succumbing to frustration, Ripley modified her workouts.
“I couldn’t load my spine with squats anymore. So, I cut back the weight, focused on form, and added more unilateral movements,” she shared.
Her routines shifted to lower impact but high-intensity sessions, preserving her muscle definition while easing pressure off her back.
2. Smarter Eating, Not Starvation
There were no celebrity crash diets. Ripley’s approach to food was brutally honest.
“I used to eat 2,500 active calories but barely hit 800-900 intake. That was stupid. I was under-fueling my body.”
Now, her meals are built around clean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats, ensuring she has the energy to train without excessive calorie surplus.
Late-night binge sessions? Gone. “I made it a rule: no eating after 8 PM. Not because of a fad, but because I was using food as a coping mechanism,” she admitted.
3. Staying Consistent, Even on Bad Days
With injuries, not every day is a good day. Ripley learned to be kinder to herself, focusing on consistency over perfection.
“Some days, a 30-minute walk was all I could do. But it still counted.”
The Emotional Weight of Body Image: Ripley’s Fight Against Stereotypes
As the pounds dropped, so did the unsolicited comments. Fans speculated whether she was on Ozempic, some accused her of conforming to WWE’s beauty standards.
Ripley’s response was as blunt as her wrestling style:
“I didn’t lose weight for looks. I did it because I was tired of being in pain.”
Her transformation wasn’t a “glow-up” for vanity metrics. It was a war against her body’s limitations. “I still love my strong, muscular build. But now, it’s a build that doesn’t hurt when I wake up.”
Rhea Ripley’s Weight Loss Results: A Healthier, More Powerful Mami
Today, Rhea Ripley sits at a leaner 170 pounds (77 kg)—a 30-pound weight loss that’s reignited her career momentum.
Her moves in the ring are sharper, her recovery time faster, and her energy levels through the roof.
“I’m moving better than ever. The weight loss didn’t weaken me; it empowered me,” Ripley stated.
Beyond physicality, her mental health has seen a massive shift. “I don’t wake up dreading the day. That’s my biggest win.”
Direct Quotes from Rhea Ripley on Her Weight Loss Journey
➡️ “I didn’t do this for aesthetics. I did this to be able to walk when I’m 40.”
➡️ “People think I’m on some miracle drug. Nope. Just patience and hard work.”
➡️ “My strength isn’t just in my muscles—it’s in knowing when to change.”
FAQs About Rhea Ripley’s Weight Loss
1. How much weight did Rhea Ripley lose?
Rhea Ripley lost over 30 pounds (from 200 lbs to approximately 170 lbs) through adjusted training routines and mindful nutrition.
2. Did Rhea Ripley use Ozempic or any weight loss injections?
No. Ripley has denied any use of Ozempic or similar injections, attributing her weight loss to dietary changes and smart workouts tailored around her injuries.
3. What injuries influenced Rhea Ripley’s weight loss journey?
Ripley has been dealing with a chronic back injury that made it difficult to maintain her weight and mobility. Reducing body weight was essential to ease the strain.
4. Did Rhea Ripley’s weight loss affect her wrestling performance?
Yes—positively. With less strain on her joints, Ripley’s in-ring agility, endurance, and power output have improved, allowing her to perform at a higher level without compromising her health.
5. How does Rhea Ripley maintain her physique now?
Ripley focuses on functional strength training, balanced nutrition, and injury-conscious workouts. She avoids extreme calorie deficits and ensures her body is fueled properly.