Rhea Ripley becomes the inaugural NXT UK Women’s champion

NXT UK star Rhea Ripley became the brand’s inaugural Women’s champion in an episode that aired last night on the WWE Network. The actual episode was taped in Birmingham, England on August 26.

Ripley, the 22-year-old Australian, defeated Mae Young Classic tournament winner Toni Storm in the final and main event of the show.

This is Ripley’s first title in WWE where she has been signed since last year. To win the title, Ripley went through Xia Brookside in the quarter final, Dakota Kai in the semi final, and Storm as the last hurdle in the final.

Since the episode was taped a couple of months ago, Ripley has already defended the title on a couple of occasions including in a dark match at the Evolution pay-per-view against her semi final opponent Dakota Kai.

The first standard bearer of the @NXTUK Women’s Division.
Hard-working, uncompromising, and dedicated to making a mark for her and this brand. Congratulations @RheaRipley_WWE. #WeAreNXTUK pic.twitter.com/ZdM6f7Og9R

— Triple H (@TripleH) November 28, 2018