Rhea Ripley Addresses Steroid Accusations Ahead of WrestleMania 42
Rhea Ripley recently revealed she has been battling an eating disorder and directly addressed accusations that she has used steroids.
During an appearance on the Pod Meets World podcast,'The Eradicator' opened up about her mental health struggles. Ripley explained why she decided to publicly discuss her eating disorder after initially keeping it private. The former Women's World Champ said she wants to help others who may be going through similar struggles.
"I tried to keep the whole eating disorder quiet for a while because I'm still figuring it out. I try to be as vocal with my struggles as possible because if it's going to help someone, then why not talk about it?"
She added:
"I needed that when I was going through stuff as a kid. If I knew my idols were going through these struggles and they are powering through and being amazing, and I look up to them and think they are strong and larger than life, then I can get through it too."
The former Women's World Champion directly responded to online speculation about her physique and recent weight loss. She confirmed that WWE superstars are regularly tested and denied using performance-enhancing drugs.
"I saw so many things. 'She had to lose weight because of her back pain.' 'She's off the roids.' We get tested. I'm not on anything."
Ripley attributed her eating disorder to stress and her need for control. She cited multiple factors including her work schedule, crowd reactions during the Australian tour, and personal issues with a former friend.
Rhea Ripley further described the difficulty of managing her mental health while dealing with constant negativity on social media. She said X (formerly Twitter) has become particularly challenging as a work environment.
"It's hard going on and trying to make it a work environment, but then, because it is a work environment, I get all these things coming up on my For You page. As soon as I click on the app, it's negative towards me," Ripley explained.
"I can't even escape it or doomscroll like a normal human without seeing things about me, about my body, about my booking, about me as a human, even though they don't know who the hell I am."
Ripley credited her support system for helping her through difficult periods. She specifically mentioned her husband Buddy Matthews, her dogs, and her friend Tommy as her strong points who provide a positive environment.
Rhea Ripley will challenge Jade Cargill for the Women's Championship at WrestleMania 42 Night 2 on April 19.
