A recent scientific study has recognized Rhea Ripley as the most exciting WWE star to watch live in 2025. The analysis, conducted at several major WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) throughout the year, measured fan responses by tracking heart rates to determine which wrestlers generated the highest excitement during their matches.
How the Study Measured Excitement at WWE Events
VegasSlotsOnline carried out the ‘Pulse of Play’ study, which observed the heart rate and heart rate variability of fans attending various sports events, including WWE shows such as the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Evolution, SummerSlam, and WrestleMania 41. This approach helped identify the matches and wrestlers that elicited the strongest physiological reactions from audiences.
To work out the most exciting individual wrestler, we combined the number of appearances in the top 20 matches in our list, average heart rate difference and average excitement scores of their matches, excluding wrestlers who featured in just a single match.
— VegasSlotsOnline Research Team
Top WWE Superstars Delivering the Highest Live Thrills
Rhea Ripley emerged as the clear leader in this ranking, with IYO SKY and Naomi following in second and third place respectively. The competition was tight, as Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes secured fourth and fifth spots. The list was completed by Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins, Alexa Bliss, Roxanne Perez, and CM Punk, rounding out the top ten most exciting WWE wrestlers to watch live in 2025.
Most Electrifying Matches Highlighted by the Study
The most exhilarating match identified was the triple threat between Ripley, SKY, and Belair at WrestleMania 41. The Evolution main event featuring Ripley and SKY—with Naomi’s Money in the Bank cash-in—claimed second place, while a notable bout between El Hijo Del Vikingo and Chad Gable at WWE & AAA Worlds Collide finished third in excitement rankings.
Significance and Future Implications for WWE Fans
These findings confirm Rhea Ripley’s growing stature as a major live attraction, suggesting that fans seeking the most thrilling WWE experiences in 2025 should prioritize her appearances. This data-driven insight may influence event promotions and fan engagement strategies across WWE’s live shows for the remainder of the year.
