The intense pressure of performing on the “Grandest Stage of Them All” cannot stop Rhea Ripley from carrying a piece of her heart into the ring. Specifically, in a significant and emotional revelation shared via WWE’s official YouTube channel, the “Eradicator” has finally pulled back the curtain on a hidden tribute she paid to her real-life husband, AEW star Buddy Matthews, during her historic clash at WrestleMania 39. This rare look into the personal life of the World Women’s Champion highlights a powerful narrative of love and support, proving that even the most dominant force in sports entertainment relies on a silent connection to the man she loves.

The Secret Symbolism of WrestleMania 39

WrestleMania 39 served as a career-defining moment for the 29-year-old Australian. Facing off against Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Ripley delivered a back-and-forth masterclass that ended with her securing her first-ever pinfall victory over “The Queen.” However, while fans were focused on the brutality of the match, Ripley was focused on the comfort of her attire.

Ripley revealed that her aesthetic for the night was a direct “I love you” to Matthews. She intentionally modeled her striking “drip” makeup after a look Matthews had previously debuted on one of his own shows.

“I wanted to do that… and the cloak kind of thing that I’m wearing under my jacket, that’s also his. I stole that from him,” Ripley confessed with a smile. “I was like, ‘I want to just be you at WrestleMania 39 because it’s gonna make me feel comfortable and confident, and I feel like I have a part of you with me.’”

By literally wearing his clothes and his style into battle, Ripley felt an added layer of psychological armor that propelled her to the top of the division.

A Power Couple Beyond Promotion Lines

The bond between Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews is a testament to resilience in an industry that often pulls couples apart. The two Australian icons began their journey together years ago, officially announcing their engagement in August 2023 before tying the knot in a private ceremony in June 2024.

Despite working for rival promotions—Ripley as the face of the WWE “Netflix Era” and Matthews as a key fixture in AEW—the couple remains each other’s fiercest advocates. This was most evident on Ripley’s 29th birthday, when Matthews took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to his wife.

• The Message: “Happiest Birthday to the love of my life! Every day she gets more & more beautiful! Can’t wait to spend MANY MANY more with you by my side!” Matthews wrote.

• The Shared History: Matthews spent nearly eight years in the WWE system before his 2021 departure, giving him a unique understanding of the pressures Ripley faces daily.

The Ripley-Matthews Connection Timeline

Will the Paths Cross Again?

As of January 2026, the question on every fan’s mind is whether the “House of Black” member will ever return to the “Global Juggernaut” to join his wife. While Matthews has found immense success under Tony Khan’s leadership in AEW, the landscape of professional wrestling is more fluid than ever.

For now, Ripley continues to dominate the WWE Women’s division—most recently regaining her Women’s World Championship and securing the Tag Team Titles alongside IYO SKY. Despite her on-screen “Mami” persona and her complicated alliance with Dominik Mysterio, her real-world devotion remains firmly with Matthews.

Conclusion: Comfort in the Chaos

Rhea Ripley’s revelation serves as a reminder that even the strongest superstars are human. In a world of scripted rivalries and intense physical tolls, the “drip” makeup and the stolen cloak provided the emotional stability Ripley needed to conquer Charlotte Flair and claim her destiny.

As she continues to lead WWE into 2026, the “Eradicator” does so with the confidence of a woman who knows she never has to walk the aisle alone—even when her husband is miles away in a different ring.