The WWE Universe has been reeling from the absence of Rhea Ripley, who was forced to relinquish the Women’s World Championship due to a shoulder injury sustained after WrestleMania XL. However, it’s not just the fans who are missing the Aussie grappler – her friend and colleague, Cathy Kelley, has also made her feelings known.
Kelley, the self-proclaimed Most Unbiased Journalist of WWE, took to Instagram to express her sentiments after Monday Night RAW in Greenville, South Carolina. The 35-year-old main roster interviewer shared several backstage photos, accompanied by a heartfelt message about how much she misses having Ripley around.
Ripley, who is expected to be out of action for around four months, responded to Kelley’s post with a red heart and the “face holding back tears” emoji, prompting Kelley to reply with the “face throwing a kiss” emoji. The exchange marked a poignant moment in their friendship, which has been a hot topic of discussion among the WWE Universe in recent years.
For those who may have forgotten, Ripley suffered her injury during a backstage brawl with Liv Morgan on April 8. The vacant Women’s World Championship was subsequently won by Becky Lynch in a Battle Royal. Now, as Ripley takes the time to recover and rehabilitate, her colleagues and friends are showing their support and appreciation for the multi-time champion.
In a separate interview with The West Sport, Ripley opened up about her early days in WWE, revealing that she lacked confidence when she joined the company in 2017 to participate in the Mae Young Classic. She was just 20 years old at the time, making her the youngest competitor in the 32-woman tournament. However, it was Ripley’s perseverance and creative changes that ultimately propelled her sports entertainment career forward.
As the WWE Universe waits for Ripley’s return, Kelley’s heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the strong bonds that exist within the WWE roster. The friendship between Ripley and Kelley is a testament to the camaraderie and support that exists among WWE superstars, even in the face of adversity.
