As a Wrestling Announcer, I Can’t Get Over DC’s Perfect WWE Cameo Moment

Warning: Spoilers for Power Girl #11!

When I picked up the latest issue of Power Girl, the last thing I expected was to see a WWE superstar canonized into DC Comics lore. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a wrestling fan. I’ve drifted in and out of the fandom over the years, but considering I work as a wrestling announcer when I’m not writing about comics, I am firmly in the fandom today.

When former WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made a cameo in Power Girl #11 by Leah Williams and Adriana Melo, I instantly recognized the depiction. While stressing about her first date with a potential super-spy, Power Girl awakens her friend, superhero partner, and roommate Omen. An annoyed Omen threatens to suplex her friend through the floor, but since the rechristened Paige Stetler doesn’t know what a suplex is, Lilith Clay decides to educate her.

After this hilarious cameo, I really believe DC fans need to be in the know about the hottest commodity in wrestling — and WWE fans, please believe me when I say this is a perfect crossover.

WWE Wrestler Rhea Ripley Makes Her DC Comics Debut

In an Issue of Power Girl!

Where to begin with Rhea Ripley? Well, for starters, she’s probably the most intimidating woman I’ve ever seen step foot in a WWE ring. Considering that WWE has a history of housing juggernauts like Bull Nakano, Chyna, Jazz, Awesome Kong, and Jordynne Grace, that says a lot, but trust me, the praise is well-earned. Ripley’s popularity has steadily risen since signing her WWE contract in 2017.The Australian wrestler is best recognized for sporting a gothic-punk aesthetic, often with leather-clad attire, both of which are present in her Power Girl panel.

While she’s never actually name-dropped in the comic issue, I still immediately recognized the wrestler as Rhea Ripley (though I can’t make out who her opponent is meant to be, if anyone) because of her unique leather look. That — and how much towering strength is on display with the German Suplex maneuver. Much like Power Girl, another signature of Rhea’s is her practically superhuman levels of strength. At 5’7″ and able to deadlift 185lbs, Ripley is strong enough to lift and believably wrestle male competitors — hence why Power Girl mentioning her hitting guys with chairs is so apropos.

Why Rhea Ripley’s Power Girl Appearance Is So Perfect

Both Naturally Break the Internet

If I had to guess, I’d say that some wrestling fans may be scratching their heads as to why Rhea Ripley is even featured in a comic book. Meanwhile, DC fans are probably wondering what place wrestling has in a superhero comic. In fairness, wrestling is becoming common in comics. But more importantly, to me at least, Power Girl and Rhea Ripley are more alike than you’d think. Both are not only physically powerful, but their mere presence exists to empower a generation of fans.

Alternatively, and on a more shallow level, both have a popularity that stems partially from “breaking the internet.” Power Girl’s attire alone has been a topic of conversation since her debut — especially her iconic white “window” suit. Meanwhile, for Ripley, let’s just say that there’s a reason why her (admittedly thirsty) fanbase has nicknamed her Mami. All in all, this creative team combining the worlds of DC Comics and WWE makes perfect sense, as they put two incredibly strong women in the same conversation.

Power Girl #11 is available now from DC Comics.