WWE superstar Rhea Ripley recently lifted the curtain on the beginnings of her signature “sexy pin” move, sharing with fans the story behind its creation and how it became part of her wrestling identity, offering insight into a unique aspect of her persona before she became a global name. In a candid discussion about the Rhea Ripley sexy pin origin, the athlete looked back to her roots in Australia, explaining how this memorable maneuver found its place in her in-ring arsenal.
A Unique Wrestling Style Shaped in Australia
Long before Rhea Ripley gained worldwide fame in WWE, she was recognized within Australia’s independent wrestling circuit. Starting her journey in 2013, she quickly built a strong fan base in her home country, performing at various local events and establishing a reputation for her athletic ability and distinctive style. Her subsequent move to WWE in 2017 opened doors to an even wider audience, allowing her charisma and talent to shine on a global stage and making her a standout member of the company’s roster.
As her profile rose internationally, Ripley’s characteristic in-ring techniques, including her much-discussed pinfall move, caught fans’ attention. The “sexy pin” became particularly popular, with fans speculating about its origins and what inspired her to incorporate it consistently into her matches.
While chatting with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Ripley disclosed that the “sexy pin” dates back to her early days in Australia. She recounted its humble beginnings and how it has become a signature element of her wrestling persona. During the interview, she explained:
So that actually started in Australia. I’ve been doing it for a long time. I pinned Zack Sabbath that way, which was an intergender match that I had. But I’ve been doing it for a long time. And I think the reason that it’s really stuck with me is because Matt and Chris Basso, my trainers, they used to call it the ‘sexy pin,’ and we used to laugh about it every time we’d do it, we’d be like, ‘Ha sexy pin.’ So it’s just like, I think that’s just stuck in my head. I don’t know why. It’s just my automatic movements now. It works. Very Rhea.” —Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
This remark revealed that Ripley’s trainers, Matt and Chris Basso, played a significant role in naming and popularizing the move during her formative wrestling years. The name, initially a private joke among her training circle, persisted as Ripley transitioned to international wrestling circuits and, eventually, WWE.
Ripley also recalled performing the “sexy pin” during a match against Zack Sabbath, an intergender matchup that highlighted how the move resonated with both peers and audiences. For her, the pinfall maneuver became second nature, closely tied to her unique approach and showmanship in the ring, capturing the playful and daring aspects of her wrestling identity that fans have come to expect.
Ripley continues to remain a topic of conversation among fans, especially as she prepares to face Raquel Rodriguez in a much-anticipated Street Fight on June 28 at the Night of Champions event. The match is expected to draw attention not just because of her reputation but also due to her creative in-ring tactics that have roots tracing back long before her WWE tenure.
Behind the Choice of ‘Mami’ Over Her Initial Nickname
Beyond her signature pin, Ripley also addressed her journey in developing her in-ring character’s identity and nickname during the same conversation with Chris Van Vliet. She discussed the origins of her current moniker, “Mami,” revealing she had initially pushed for a different name, but had to adapt due to creative directions within WWE:
“No, I was trying to push the Papi agenda. And they were like yeah, we can’t do that. And then Priest was like, ‘What about Mami?’ I was like, Okay, guess I’ll be Mami. I was really set on the Papi thing. I was like, I can be a little sh*t stirrer, just be Papi this, Papi that. But they’re like, we just can’t go there. And I was like, Okay, I respect that. Mami’s gonna grow on me, though.” —Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
This reflection showcased the process behind how nicknames emerge and evolve within the wrestling world, often shaped by input from fellow wrestlers and guidance from organization officials. Damian Priest, a colleague, suggested “Mami” after it became clear that the original idea would not be pursued. Ripley’s willingness to adapt to the new persona demonstrated her flexibility and ability to connect with her audience, even as her preferred moniker changed along the way.
The discussion around her ring name highlighted how important brand identity and fan perception are within the WWE environment. Ripley’s continued embrace of “Mami” and her lighthearted acceptance of changes illustrate her skill at building rapport with both audiences and colleagues inside and outside the squared circle.
The Ongoing Evolution of Rhea Ripley’s Persona and Influence
Rhea Ripley’s story emphasizes the importance of authenticity and adaptability in the world of sports entertainment. From developing the “sexy pin” alongside her trainers Matt and Chris Basso, to negotiating her nickname with the help of personalities like Damian Priest, Ripley demonstrates how wrestlers craft their identities by blending personal history with professional opportunities. Her experiences on the Australian circuit and her ascent through WWE showcase the global reach of her influence, touching fans from her home country to audiences around the globe.
Looking to the future, Ripley’s upcoming Street Fight with Raquel Rodriguez at Night of Champions is expected to attract significant attention. With her inventive pinfall tactics and the storytelling embedded in both her character and physical style, the match could further cement her standing as an inventive performer in WWE. As fans and analysts discuss the Rhea Ripley sexy pin origin, her ongoing journey highlights the diverse influences and creative decisions that define modern wrestling superstars.
