A recent analysis has declared Rhea Ripley as WWE’s most exciting current superstar, based on scientific measurements of fan reactions during major WWE events in 2025. The Pulse of Play study, supported by Vegas Slots Online, evaluated heart rate data from viewers to identify which wrestlers and matches generate the strongest emotional responses, placing Ripley at the top of the list.
The study recorded heart rates and heart rate variability of over 50 fans watching major WWE pay-per-view events across the year. Researchers calculated an excitement score by comparing average and peak heartbeats per minute with participants’ resting heart rates. Ripley achieved an impressive 95.0 excitement score, making her the most thrilling performer according to this biometrically based research.
Fan Response to Other WWE Superstars and Matches
Following Ripley, other wrestlers who scored highly on the excitement scale included IYO SKY with 92.1, Naomi at 92.0, Kevin Owens with 86.6, and Cody Rhodes scoring 85.2. The comprehensive data reflects a consensus among WWE fans of who delivers the most engaging performances inside the ring.
Among individual bouts, the triple threat match featuring IYO SKY, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 41 earned the highest excitement rating of 98. This match was closely followed by Naomi, SKY, and Ripley’s triple threat encounter at WWE Evolution, rated at 92.
Other matches ranking highly were El Hijo del Vikingo versus Chad Gable at World’s Collide (88), the six-pack ladder match at SummerSlam (87), and Kevin Owens versus Sami Zayn in the Elimination Chamber (86). These matches consistently drove fans’ heart rates up during viewing, indicating intense engagement.
Top Excitement Scores for WWE Stars and Matches
The study detailed the following list highlighting the top 10 most exciting WWE superstars:
1. Rhea Ripley: 95.0
2. IYO SKY: 92.1
3. Naomi: 92.0
4. Kevin Owens: 86.6
5. Cody Rhodes: 85.2
6. Bianca Belair: 85.0
7. Seth Rollins: 84.9
8. Alexa Bliss: 84.5
9. Roxanne Perez: 84.5
10. CM Punk: 83.1
The top 20 WWE matches ranked by excitement score included:
1. IYO SKY vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania 41): 98
2. Naomi vs. IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley (Evolution): 92
3. El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable (World’s Collide): 88
4. Six-Pack Ladder Match (SummerSlam): 87
5. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (Elimination Chamber): 86
6. Bron Breakker vs. PENTA vs. Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio (WrestleMania 41): 83
7. Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens (Royal Rumble): 83
8. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Giulia vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Stephanie Vaquer (Money In The Bank): 82
9. Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY (SummerSlam): 82
10. Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena (SummerSlam): 81
11. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins (WrestleMania 41): 80
12. Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER (WrestleMania 41): 76
13. Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Laredo Kid vs. Rey Fénix (World’s Collide): 74
14. John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Seth Rollins (Elimination Chamber): 74
15. Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria (Evolution): 72
16. Octagón Jr., Aero Star & Mr. Iguana vs. Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Lince Dorado (World’s Collide): 68
17. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre (WrestleMania 41): 67
18. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Liv Morgan vs. Naomi vs. Roxanne Perez (Elimination Chamber): 67
19. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane (Evolution): 65
20. Seth Rollins vs. Andrade vs. El Grande Americano vs. LA Knight vs. Penta vs. Solo Sikoa (Money In The Bank): 65
AJ Lee Returns to WWE After a Decade
In other major WWE news, AJ Lee made her return to WWE television on this week’s SmackDown episode, marking her first appearance in over ten years. Introduced by her husband CM Punk, Lee confronted WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, who had previously slapped Punk multiple times on both RAW and SmackDown. Lee‘s response was immediate and forceful, as she chased Lynch from the ring before sharing an emotional hug with Punk.
After the show, Triple H shared video footage of Lee officially signing her WWE contract and posed for the classic pointing photo alongside Lee and Punk, celebrating the moment.
CM Punk Provides Support to WWE Women’s Locker Room
Natalya disclosed that CM Punk has been offering advice and support backstage to several women in WWE on handling online bullying. On the Busted Open Radio podcast, she explained that Punk addressed concerns raised by female wrestlers about social media harassment, encouraging them to disconnect from negativity.
“Some of the girls were talking backstage about bullying on social media. And Punk was like, ‘Turn it off. It’s not a real place.’ He was one of the first people that said that to me and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s right.’ If it’s a bad nightmare, just wake up from the dream, or wake up from the nightmare. Just wake up. You don’t have to sit in it and stay in it.” —Natalya, WWE Superstar
Upcoming Impact and Fan Excitement Trends
Rhea Ripley’s recognition as the WWE’s most exciting superstar reflects her rising prominence and the compelling nature of her matches. This data-driven endorsement highlights the increasing importance of fan engagement metrics in sports entertainment and could influence booking decisions and marketing strategies moving forward.
The excitement scores for matches emphasize the value fans place on high-stakes, multi-competitor bouts, with repeatedly notable performances from Ripley, IYO SKY, and Naomi. These results provide WWE with insights into which wrestlers and storylines resonate most powerfully, shaping the company’s future event programming.
Meanwhile, the return of AJ Lee and CM Punk’s involvement in mentoring WWE’s female talent add new dimensions to the current landscape, suggesting an increased support system and experienced voices shaping the roster. Fans can expect to see Lee’s role develop on television, possibly leading to fresh storylines and rivalries.
