After wrestling in her first WrestleMania match, Rhea Ripley cried tears of joy.
Back in April, Ripley faced Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36, a show that was unique in more ways than one compared to past WrestleMania shows. In speaking with Flash Morgan Webster on the Wrestling Friends podcast, Ripley admitted that she cried in the back after the match.
However, Ripley noted that she wasn't crying because she was sad but more so because she was happy to have the match and prove that she belonged at this stage. Ripley added that it was the first time she ever wrestled in an empty arena and was very nervous about the match.
"I remember, after the match was done, even though the outcome wasn't exactly what I wanted, it didn't matter. Once the match ended -- it was such a stressful day, you have no idea -- I remember, everything was done, the cameras were off and I just started crying. I was bawling. Everyone came down to the ring and were like, 'please tell me these were happy tears.' 'Guys, you have no idea. I'm so happy. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders as well.' I was super stressed and I was so happy because it is WrestleMania and it still means a lot. I was happy that we did well. That was the first time I wrestled in front of no crowd. My last show was NXT Fans Appreciation night. I hadn't gone out in front of no one (until WrestleMania). To know we did well and I proved myself and I showed everyone that I do deserve to be here. So yes, I cried," Ripley said.
Ripley will have a chance to regain her NXT Women's Championship when she takes on Flair and Io Shirai in a triple threat match at NXT TakeOver: In Your House on June 7.
