Rhea Ripley and LA Knight recently shared a lighthearted moment after Raw went off air that quickly spread across social media, revealing the camaraderie behind their WWE personas. This off-screen display of friendship highlights their strong bond and adds another layer to their dynamic within the WWE universe, complementing other friendly interactions Ripley has with various WWE stars.
The Origin and Recall of the “Ankle Swear Handshake” Between Ripley and Knight
The playful exchange Ripley and Knight performed in the ring resembled a unique spin on the “ankle swear handshake,” a gesture inspired by the Nickelodeon show iCarly, which first aired in 2007. Fans familiar with the sitcom immediately recognized the reference, appreciating the nostalgic touch woven into their WWE segment.
Earlier in 2024, their friendly rapport was also noticed during LA Knight’s visit to Australia, where he competed in the 6-Man Elimination Chamber match alongside Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, and then United States Champion Logan Paul. Knight took the opportunity to try Australia’s iconic spread, Vegemite, but found it bitter and underwhelming.
Sharing his reaction on Instagram, Knight expressed:
“That’s Vegemite for you. Not for me. Na Na [his signature catchphrase]” —LA Knight, WWE Superstar
Rhea Ripley responded humorously in the comments, pointing out he was spreading the Vegemite incorrectly and offered to teach him the proper way to enjoy it, reflecting her playful nature and connection with Knight.
Rhea Ripley’s Warm Bonds Beyond LA Knight
Beyond LA Knight, Ripley maintains close friendships with several WWE colleagues, including notable stars like Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan. Her off-screen interactions frequently involve humorous moments and lighthearted pranks, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere among performers despite the competitive nature of their profession.
Memorable Off-Camera Moments Featuring Rhea Ripley and Fellow WWE Stars
Rhea Ripley’s approachable and cheerful personality has led to various entertaining situations with other WWE performers, some of which have been captured for fans. In 2023, Ripley joined Sheamus on his YouTube series, Celtic Warrior Workouts, participating in challenging conditioning drills while sharing amusing anecdotes about irritating gym noises. Ripley’s exaggerated imitation of bench pressing grunts brought genuine laughter from Sheamus, showcasing their easy camaraderie.
Additionally, Ripley appeared in a playful competition against Jey Uso, featured in a Wrestling Masala video, where they engaged in a reverse pull-the-pins game. The challenge delivered a series of funny and candid reactions, including Ripley’s moment of anxiety over potentially losing the match, revealing her competitive yet fun-loving side.
The Wider Impact of Ripley’s Off-Screen Connections in WWE
These glimpses of Ripley’s interactions with LA Knight, Sheamus, Jey Uso, and others underline the importance of relationships beyond the WWE ring, enhancing fan engagement and humanizing the individuals behind the wrestling characters. Such moments foster a sense of community within the WWE roster while offering viewers relatable and enjoyable content.
As Rhea Ripley continues to balance her fierce in-ring persona with her approachable off-screen demeanor, fans eagerly anticipate more appearances and candid exchanges that reveal the genuine friendships built within the wrestling world.
