WWE star explains how her finisher was created
Summary
– Rhea Ripley said the Riptide came from experimenting with a pumphandle slam during training
– Shane Haste suggested the move while Ripley was working with Tegan Nox
– Ripley changed the original sit-out version to protect her body and avoid long-term pain
Rhea Ripley has opened up about how her Riptide finisher was created.
The move has become one of the most recognizable parts of Ripley’s WWE presentation. It fits her power-based style and gives her a clear finishing move that stands out across the women’s division.
Speaking with ESPN, Ripley said the idea started during a training session with Tegan Nox. Shane Haste was also involved and began suggesting different moves for her to test.
Ripley said Haste brought up the pumphandle slam. Once she tried it, she quickly felt that it worked for her. The move later became part of her offense during her time around the Mae Young Classic and NXT UK.
At first, Ripley used a sit-out version of the move. That changed because the landing became too painful. She said it hurt too much and made her worry about what it could do to her back over time.
Ripley then adjusted the move by dropping to her knees instead. That version became the Riptide fans know today.
Ripley gave Haste credit for helping spark the idea. She made it clear that the move came together through training, trial, and small changes until it became the finisher that matched her style.
The Riptide has since become a key part of Ripley’s identity. It gives her matches a powerful ending and reflects the strength that has helped make her one of WWE’s top stars.
