Rhea Ripley was left nearly in tears after Italian fans paid tribute to her late grandmother during her match against Jade Cargill at WWE Clash in Italy.
The crowd chanted “Nonna,” the Italian word for grandmother, during the match. Ripley also wore special ring gear to honor her grandmother, who passed away in April 2023.
Ripley posted on X in response to the tribute.
“I literally want to cry… Thank you Italy! ????” she wrote.
Ahead of her WWE Women’s Championship defense against Jade Cargill, ‘The Eradicator’ had also revealed how special the event was for her. She revealed that her grandparents lived in Italy before moving to Australia. Taking to X account, Ripley wrote:
“I’ve always wanted to go to Italy but never had the opportunity. This weekend I finally get to live that dream at #ClashInItaly! My Nonna was one of the most important and strongest people in my life. Going to the country where her and my Nonno grew up feels like I’m about to visit a home I’ve never had the pleasure to experience. I miss you every day! This one’s for you! I hope I make you proud when you look down on me,” Rhea Ripley posted.
Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy on Sunday to retain the WWE Women’s Championship. Cargill and Ripley threw it all at each other in a hard-hitting match. During the match, the Aussie star initially seemed to have won before B-Fab interfered.
However, as Cargill hit her finisher, Charlotte Flair placed Ripley’s foot on the bottom rope. In the final moments, Ripley hit her second Riptide to earn her second win over Cargill.