Summary

Rhea Ripley has pushed back on a viral claim that her slimmer look came from needing to reduce muscle mass because of back pain.

The story making the rounds said Ripley had explained a body transformation as a health decision tied to serious back issues. According to the report, that specific interview never happened.

How The Claim Started

The rumor appears to have grown out of fan discussion around comments Ripley made in a July 2025 interview with Chris Van Vliet. In that interview, she referenced back pain, but the pain was linked to a spot against Raquel Rodriguez where she hit the edge of the announce table on a back bodydrop.

There was no indication in the source material that Ripley said muscle mass was the reason for her back trouble or that she had slimmed down for that reason.

What It Means For Rhea Ripley And WrestleMania 42

Ripley shutting the rumor down keeps the attention on her WWE Women’s Championship match with Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 instead of unsupported talk about her health and physique. It also clears up the kind of misinformation that can quickly overtake the real story around a top star.

That title picture has already been moving on WWE television, as Ripley is set to address Jade Cargill on WWE SmackDown. This clarification does not change the match itself, but it does remove a false talking point from the buildup.

Social Media

Ripley responded on social media to deny that she ever gave the interview being cited in the rumor.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.