Update: Rhea Ripley took to Instagram to debunk the rumor by posting a video on her instagram story that she is in fact still in America. The video begins with Rhea looking directly at the camera, then showing us her home and her boyfriend Demetri “Action” Jackson along with the caption “Yo wrestling world… Still in America…” and “There’s a rumor going round” rotating in circular letters.
It has been reported by PWInsider Elite that former NXT Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley won’t be appearing NXT programming anytime soon as her work visa has expired and she has had to return home to Australia.
Ripley’s absence won’t be felt immediately as this week’s episode of NXT has already been recorded. However, WWE is to begin filming new content this week and it is highly doubtful that Ripley will be able to return in time.
There is no word or timescale as to when Ripley will be allowed to return to the US as the Coronavirus outbreak has made international travel extremely difficult and she will also have to quarantine for the recommended 14 days upon her arrival.
Ripley was recently defeated by Charlotte Flair on Day 2 of WrestleMania 36 for the NXT Women’s Championship and there is no word that the visa issue had anything to do with the result.
Fortunately, Ripley’s absence in NXT won’t impact proceedings too much as the returning Charlotte Flair will have to face the winner of the six-woman Ladder Match to crown a new number 1 contender.
That match features Io Shirai, Mia Yim, Tegan Nox, Dakota Kai, Chelsea Green, and Candice LeRae.
What do you make of the situation and who is the next number one contender? Let us know below and as always stay tuned to Diva Dirt for all of your NXT news, reviews and updates.
