Rhea Ripley has become one of WWE’s biggest stars, but long before she was dominating the women’s division, “Mami” was just another wrestling fan who idolized some of the same names that many fans grew up watching.
Ripley recently made an appearance in Las Vegas during the Zuffa Boxing 4 event on Paramount+, which took place at the UFC APEX on March 8. The WWE Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender was in attendance alongside fellow WWE Superstar Grayson Waller to support Australian boxer Jai Opetaia, who defeated Brandon Glanton to become the first-ever Zuffa Boxing Champion.
While at the event, Ripley briefly appeared on social media personality Nina Drama’s live stream on Kick. During the conversation, Ripley opened up about being a wrestling fan growing up and revealed just how big of an influence CM Punk had on her when she was younger. Ripley explained that Punk’s straight-edge persona and signature Pepsi tattoo made such an impression on her that she once considered getting a similar tattoo on her own finger.
“I wanted to, because I grew up obviously watching wrestling. Punk was one of my favorites.”
Ripley went on to explain that the idea was inspired directly by Punk’s iconic body art, which has long been associated with his straight-edge lifestyle and rebellious character in professional wrestling.
“I wanted to get a Pepsi tattoo on my finger. A Pepsi tattoo on my finger. Yeah, because he’s got the big Pepsi tattoo. Because he’s straight edge, and I was like, I love CM Punk. I want a Pepsi tattoo. I didn’t even drink Pepsi back then.”
Ripley’s comments offer a glimpse into her early fandom and how influential figures like CM Punk helped shape her connection to professional wrestling before she ever stepped into the ring herself.
Today, Ripley has built her own legacy in WWE as one of the most recognizable stars in the company. From dominating championship runs to becoming a centerpiece of major storylines, she has carved out a reputation as one of the most powerful personalities in the women’s division.
Even so, stories like this remind fans that many of today’s biggest WWE stars once looked up to the same legends that inspired an entire generation of wrestling fans.
What do you think about Rhea Ripley revealing she once wanted CM Punk’s Pepsi tattoo growing up? Do you think Punk’s influence helped shape today’s generation of wrestlers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.