Warning: Spoilers for Power Girl #11!
Summary
When I picked up the latest issue ofPower Girl,the last thing I expected was to see aWWEsuperstar canonized intoDC Comicslore. 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.
Whenformer WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made a cameo inPower Girl#11by Leah Williams and Adriana Melo, I instantly recognized the depiction. While stressing about her first date witha 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 sincethe rechristened Paige Stetlerdoesn’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 aperfectcrossover.
Power Girl’s Super-Spy Love Interest Returns - And He’s Even More Complicated
Power Girl’s budding romance with may wind up being even more complicated than him just being a super-spy given the latest twist in their story.
WWE Wrestler Rhea Ripley Makes Her DC Comics Debut
In an Issue ofPower Girl!
Where to begin with Rhea Ripley? Well, for starters, she’s probablythe 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 herPower Girlpanel.
Much like Power Girl, another signature of Rhea’s is her practically superhuman levels of strength.
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 isher 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 ofDC ComicsandWWEmakes perfect sense, as they put two incredibly strong women in the same conversation.
POWER GIRL #11 (2024)
Power Girl
WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is a global entertainment company primarily known for professional wrestling. Founded in 1953, it produces live events, television programs, and streaming content. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, WWE operates multiple brands, including Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
