fans were choked up watching Rhea Ripley celebrated an emotional homecoming at .
The Australian superstar successfully defended her Women’s World Championship in the main event at Opus Stadium on Saturday with her family watching on from the front row.
In front of over 52,000 fans,pinned Nia Jax to hold onto the gold and set up a massive match with Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40.
Rhea appeared close to tears herself as she stepped out in front of the packed open air stadium, but stayed focused on the task at hand in an historic night for the 27-year-old superstar.
After a competitive bout with Jax, she was finally able to hoist up her rival for the Riptide, which was enough to earn her the three count and a memorable win.
She hopped onto the barrier to celebrate with the 13 members of her family sat in the crowd, hugging them close and screaming with joy.
Fans watching from home were equally overwhelmed, with everyone delighted to see one of WWE’s biggest stars get such a life affirming moment in front of her home country.
‘I’m crying for Rhea!!! She did that!! She did it at home!! Those home matches just hit different!! #WWEChamber @RheaRipley_WWE,’ wrote one fan.
‘@RheaRipley_WWE having me ugly crying at 8am 😭 thanks a lot 💜,’ added a second person, while a third X user added: ‘Seeing @RheaRipley_WWE celebrate with her family has me in tears as well! #WWEChamber #MamiChamber #RheaRipley’
‘She was holding in her tears she deserved this,’ tweeted yet another fan, with a different viewer adding: ‘Currently actually crying for rhea because omg my heart.’
After Becky Lynch overcame Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez and Naomi, she is now set to challenge Rhea for the gold at WrestleMania.
In thematch, Logan Paul cost Randy Orton the win while AJ Styles screwed LA Knight, with Drew McIntyre emerging victorious and facing Seth Rollins in Philly.
Elsewhere, Rhea’s Judgment Day allies Damian Priest and Finn Balor retained the tag titles against Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne, while The Grayson Waller Effect saw Cody Rhodes lay down a challenge for The Rock.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 is available to stream on demand via the WWE Network.
