Zaria, a rising women’s wrestler from Australia competing in WWE NXT, has frequently been likened to Rhea Ripley, a prominent figure on WWE’s main roster. Both athletes originate from the same region and share similar physical styles and career trajectories, prompting fans and analysts alike to compare their paths.
In a recent interview with SEN’s Chief Sports Caller Gerard Whateley, Zaria opened up about her journey within WWE, including delays in her arrival due to visa complications and her experiences during her first year with the company. Her reflections highlight the similarities she sees between her career and Rhea Ripley’s.
Challenges and Triumphs in Zaria’s Early WWE Career
Zaria described her initial year in WWE as intense and transformative. She noted the demanding nature of the job, with constant travel across the United States and rigorous training schedules at the Performance Center in Orlando. Despite the challenges, Zaria expressed strong enthusiasm for her role, emphasizing how the experience has pushed her to learn more about herself.
“It’s awesome. I have never been so busy in my life. This job is so crazy and chaotic, getting to travel all around America. I wouldn’t change it for the world. This is the best job I’ve ever had. I mean, being in the Performance Center in Orlando constantly every day, we are training, we are learning, but more so like, I feel like how much we have to, how much hard work we put in, and how much traveling we do. You really, you really learn about yourself on those travel days.”
—Zaria, WWE NXT Wrestler
Visa Delays Postpone Zaria’s Move to the United States
After signing with WWE in early 2024, Zaria encountered visa issues that postponed her relocation to the U.S. Originally expected to move by mid-2024, she instead remained in Australia until August. This unexpected extension allowed her extra time to finalize affairs in her home country and mentally prepare for the significant transition.
“I didn’t move to Orlando until August of 2024, and I had my tryout, I believe it was the beginning of February of 2024. So I thought I would have to have moved in June or July, but there were like some visa issues. So it gave me a little bit longer to be in Australia. So, I had about, what is that? Like four or five months where I was able to just sort of wrap things up in Australia and just wrap my head around the fact that I’d be living in America in the WWE.”
—Zaria, WWE NXT Wrestler
Following in Rhea Ripley’s Footsteps at Different Times
Zaria acknowledges that she and Rhea Ripley share a surprising professional overlap, both starting in Riot City Wrestling (RCW) and now competing in WWE, though at staggered points in time. Observing Rhea Ripley’s accomplishments motivates Zaria to work even harder, as she envisions a similar future making an impact for Australia and the wrestling world.
“Oh, very. I think… knowing that, like, I’m on the same path as Rhea Ripley, we both, started in RCW and now we’re both in WWE, I feel like both her and I are on the same paths, just at different times, so seeing what Rhea Ripley has done for the company and for Australia and for herself, like, knowing that that could potentially be my future like it honestly like it makes me work harder more than ever like it just it it fills it fills me with so much motivation.”
—Zaria, WWE NXT Wrestler
Ambitions to Compete in WWE Events on Australian Soil
One of Zaria’s major goals is to wrestle in front of her home crowd during WWE’s increased touring in Australia. She eagerly awaits the opportunity to perform in her native country again and views participation in a WWE Australia event as a significant milestone in her career.
“It would mean a lot. Like that is such like a big goal of mine knowing that like, WWE are coming to Australia more often. Now, I’m just- every time I hear that WWE is coming to Australia, my fingers are crossed to get onto one of those shows. I would love nothing more than to wrestle in Australia again.”
—Zaria, WWE NXT Wrestler
Implications for Zaria’s Future in WWE
As Zaria continues to develop her skills and gain exposure in WWE NXT, her trajectory suggests a promising future resembling that of Rhea Ripley’s ascent. Overcoming early visa hurdles and embracing the rigorous demands of life on the road, Zaria appears determined to follow a similar route to WWE stardom while carrying the hopes of Australian wrestling fans. Her ambition to perform in Australia demonstrates a desire to connect with her roots as she builds her career on a global stage.
