Rhea Ripley opens up about heartfelt WrestleMania tribute to husband Buddy Matthews

Rhea Ripley spoke about her tribute to her husband, AEW star Buddy Matthews, at a big WWE show. She competed for a major title at the event.

Rhea fought Charlotte Flair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 39. The two wrestlers put forth an engaging contest that ended with Ripley emerging as winner and securing the title. It was her first pinfall win over Charlotte in singles competition in her fifth attempt.

Speaking in a recent video clip posted on WWE's official YouTube channel, Rhea Ripley disclosed that makeup for the match was inspired by her husband's. The 29-year-old said that she stole Buddy Matthews' rug and donned it under her jacket to be comfortable and confident. It was the RAW star's way of expressing her love for her husband.

"I did this makeup for my husband. He's done this drip makeup on one of his shows. So I wanted to do that. And the, what do you call it, like, the rags, the cloak kind of thing that I'm wearing under my jacket, that's also his. I stole that from him. 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.' So, yeah, I put them in there as a little 'I love you' to him," Ripley said.

Buddy Matthews sends birthday wishes to Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley and Buddy Mathews got engaged in August 2023 and got married the following year in June. The two Australian pro wrestlers have been together since and they keep sending messages to each other through social media posts.

In one such case, Buddy Matthews posted multiple pictures of himself with Rhea Ripley. He wrote a heartfelt message for his wife on the occasion of her 29th birthday, calling her the love of his life.

"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! Enjoy this day & kick some a**!! 🎉🥳🙌," wrote Buddy Matthews.

Buddy Matthews spent almost eight years in WWE before his exit in 2021. He signed with AEW the following year and has since been a part of the Tony Khan-led promotion.