Add as a preferred source on Google Rhea Ripley opened up about one of the most difficult moments of her recent WWE career, which happened during the company’s trip to Australia last year.
Appearing on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast, Ripley said she hit her physical and emotional breaking point during Crown Jewel: Perth week. The event took place on October 11, 2025, at RAC Arena, which also hosted Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night RAW that same weekend.
According to Ripley, the pressure of being back in her home country weighed on her more than she expected. She said she tried to take responsibility for everything, from her own performance to how Australian fans would treat her WWE colleagues.
“I hadn’t eaten. I hadn’t had any water. My body was shutting down.”
Rhea Ripley ‘collapsed’ in WWE catering last year: ‘My body was shutting down’ https://t.co/7ml3RtQ6be
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) May 28, 2026
Ripley said she collapsed in WWE catering after RAW while suffering a panic attack. She also said someone close to her remained around during that period, making the situation even harder.
In the ring, however, WWE’s Australia run was treated as a major moment. At Crown Jewel, Ripley received a huge reaction from the crowd and picked up a win alongside IYO SKY against Asuka and Kairi Sane.
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Ripley is currently the WWE Women’s Champion and is set to defend the title against Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy this Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. ET on the ESPN App with the ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States.