WWE champion Rhea Ripley posts heartfelt message during emotional homecoming

The WWE champion posted a series of photos to social media after returning home after a heartbreaking loss in her family.

Adelaide’s Rhea Ripley (Demi Bennett) celebrates after a crowning achievement at Wrestlemania in LA last month. Picture: WWE

Adelaide export Rhea Ripley, now one of the world’s greatest pro wrestlers, has returned home following the death of her beloved Nonna.

The 26-year-old – better known to locals as Demi Bennett – added the prestigious WWE Smackdown Women’s Title at Wrestlenmania 39 to her already impressive resume last month at the flagship show.

Rhea Ripley (Demi Bennett) posted a heartfelt message along with a photo with friends at Hallett Cove on Monday. Picture: Rhea Ripley/Instagram

WWE star Rhea Ripley back in SA. Picture: Supplied

The former Henley High School student announced she had “lost one of her favourite people” on Thursday night in tweet late earlier this month.

“Nonna, I’m going to miss your strong loving hugs and your little sassy cheeky attitude,” Ripley wrote.

“It’s so hard saying goodbye, but being able to see you again in Feb was the highlight of my year.

Ripley was spotted with a fan at Henley Beach on Sunday. Picture: Instagram

The 26-year-old stopped in at Glenelg's Bomdia Bowls for breakfast while back in her hometown. Picture: Instagram

“I miss you and I love you with all my heart.”

Ripley returned to Adelaide over the weekend for her beloved Nonna’s funeral, spending quality time around her childhood beachside home.

The 26-year-old WWE megastar popped into Glenelg’s Bomdia Bowls for an acai on Sunday morning, before she was spotted taking photos with a fan at Henley Beach later that day.

She also posted a picture with friends at Hallett Cove, along with the message, “Life is way too short and goes by way too fast… Enjoy the time you have with the ones you love.”

WWE star Rhea Ripley with her Nonna. Picture: @rhearipley/ Instagram

Rhea Ripley has paid tribute to her Nonna who passed away. Picture: @rhearipley/ Instagram

Ripley, who now lives in the US, shared a number of on Instagram with news of her loss, including a photo of her Nonna proudly showing off a recent article by The Advertiser ahead of her granddaughter’s win on the industry’s biggest stage.

But after revealing her tragedy, Ripley was forced to smack down a vicious troll who targeted her heartfelt tribute.

Rhea Ripley as a child with her Nonna. Picture: @rhearipley/ Instagram

Rhea Ripley’s proud Nonna with her copy of The Advertiser before her death. Picture: @rhearipley/ Instagram

The tweet amassed 27.5l likes with many fans and WWE alumni sharing their condolences but it also attracted hate from a troll.

Ripley called out the now deleted tweet.

“People like this make me regret leaving everyone I love behind. I’ve missed years without people I love to entertain and live my dream,” she tweeted.

“You are a f — king disgusting human and don’t deserve me, but here I am doing my job. “Realise what’s TV and what’s real life. I deserve better.”