During tonight’s episode of NXT UK, the NXT UK Women’s Championship tournament came to an official close, with Rhea Ripley defeating Toni Storm to become the first-ever NXT UK Women’s Champion. To celebrate the win, Ripley got her first champion’s photo shoot.
The final outcome of the tournament had already been decided, as the matches of the tournament were filmed back in August, after Triple H announced it was taking longer than expected to get NXT UK televised.
To close the gap between taping and airing, two hour-long episodes of NXT UK has been televised each week, Wednesday. The tournament was stretched throughout weeks, and fans are happy to finally see the first NXT UK Women’s Champion be crowned.
“The Mosh Pit Kid” came to NXT UK from the stateside NXT, where she made her debut in Oct. 2017 in a battle royal to determine one of the contenders for the vacant NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: War Games, which was won by Nikki Cross.
Prior to that, Ripley made herself known in Pro Wrestling Alliance, Riot City Wrestling, and various promotions while touring Japan.
The 22-year-old Aussie gained fame in WWE performing in the first Mae Young Classic Tournament, where she eliminated Miranda Salinas in the first round, and was eliminated by Dakota Kai in the second round.
Rhea Ripley is an aggressive wrestler with intimidating strength and agility. NXT UK is lucky to have her as their first women’s champion. Take a look at her photo shoot below.
