Matt Riddle, Rhea Ripley & Damien Priest—The Champions Who Stole the Show!

SummerSlam 2024 wasn’t just a spectacle in the ring—it was a full-blown backstage drama waiting to unfold. While the crowd was glued to their seats for the electrifying in-ring action, a few WWE champions had their own little saga going on behind the scenes. From Matt Riddle‘s laid-back vibes to Rhea Ripley‘s dominance and Damien Priest’s cool swagger, the backstage was almost as thrilling as the main event itself. So grab a snack and settle in, because we’re about to dive into the backstage moments that had fans talking long after the bell rang.

Matt Riddle: The Chill Champion with a Fire Within

Matt Riddle is known for his easy-going persona—always smiling, always relaxed, and always the guy who seems to have a smile plastered on his face no matter what. But don’t let that fool you; there’s a fire inside him that burns brighter than his laid-back attitude suggests. Backstage at SummerSlam, Riddle’s cool demeanor was on full display as he caught up with fellow superstars before his big match.

“I just try to keep it real, y’know?” Riddle told a few WWE staff members while lounging near the catering table, casually flipping through his phone. But when the talk turned to his fight for the championship, there was a noticeable shift. “At the end of the day, I’m here to make history, and if that means flipping someone on their head while having a blast, so be it!”

Riddle‘s infectious attitude might make him seem like the fun-loving stoner bro, but his words speak volumes about his determination. It’s this mix of chill vibes and serious dedication that makes him such a fan favorite. Backstage, he was the life of the party, yet when it was time to focus, he knew exactly what needed to be done.

Rhea Ripley: The Nightmare Who Rules the Backstage

If there’s one thing Rhea Ripley has shown time and time again, it’s that she’s not just a force in the ring—she’s the queen of the locker room, too. The “Nightmare” might be a dominant force in the WWE women’s division, but backstage, she’s just as much of a powerhouse. With her strong-willed attitude and no-nonsense demeanor, Rhea Ripley commands attention wherever she goes, and it’s no surprise she’s the talk of the SummerSlam weekend.

Rumor has it that Ripley took no prisoners backstage—metaphorically speaking, of course. Word spread that Ripley and her fellow Judgment Day members had a private huddle before the show. “We don’t just show up to SummerSlam; we take it over,” Ripley was overheard saying, her voice dripping with confidence. She wasn’t wrong. When Rhea Ripley steps onto that stage, she owns it. Backstage, she wasn’t looking for approval—she was looking for dominance.

Even outside of the locker room, Ripley kept her champion mentality. While chatting with Matt Riddle before their respective matches, she mentioned that she wasn’t in it just to win; she was in it to make a statement. “SummerSlam? It’s mine to take,” she said with an intense gaze that could cut through steel.

And let’s be real, after she defended her championship with that same ferocity, it was clear Ripley wasn’t here to play. Backstage or in the ring, she’s a force of nature who’s ready to prove that she’s more than just a champion—she’s a dynasty in the making.

Damien Priest: The Calm Before the Storm

There’s something uniquely menacing about Damien Priest. Perhaps it’s the way he carries himself with quiet confidence, or maybe it’s the unsettling calmness with which he prepares for battle. Whatever it is, the man known as “The Archer of Infamy” is an enigma, even backstage. While everyone else was hyped and buzzing about their matches, Priest was quietly observing the chaos unfold around him—his eyes always scanning, his mind always calculating.

In a rare backstage moment, he shared a few thoughts on what it takes to succeed in WWE: “It’s not just about the title. It’s about the journey, the battles, and the people you’ve got to overcome to get there.” The words didn’t just feel like a mantra—they felt like a prophecy. Priest has been carving his path in WWE for years, and there’s no sign of him slowing down.

Despite his stoic nature, Priest’s relationship with Rhea Ripley and the rest of the Judgment Day crew is one of respect and camaraderie. Backstage at SummerSlam, the trio could be seen chatting strategy, and it was clear that their bond goes far beyond being just a faction. As Priest explained, “When you’ve got a family like this, you don’t just have each other’s backs in the rings—you’ve got each other’s backs in life.”

Priest’s eyes may not have been wide with excitement, but make no mistake—his mind was laser-focused on the task ahead. He wasn’t just here for the match; he was here to prove that his time had come.

The Championship Vibes

While fans were busy watching epic matches, the backstage atmosphere was brimming with the confidence and resolve of the champions. Riddle, Ripley, and Priest were all in different places on their WWE journeys, but one thing was clear: each was a champion in their own right, and each was set to make waves at SummerSlam.

As the event unfolded, all three champions lived up to their hype. Riddle had fans on the edge of their seats with his high-flying moves and determination, Ripley asserted her dominance with every step, and Priest’s calculated attacks showcased why he’s a rising star in WWE. It was no surprise that backstage, they each exuded an aura of victory before even stepping into the ring.

But the real magic of SummerSlam wasn’t just in the ringside action—it was in the bond these champions shared. Backstage, they were more than competitors; they were allies, supporting each other in ways that went far beyond just winning gold.

Wrapping Up the SummerSlam Backstage Saga

SummerSlam may have been about the superstars in the spotlight, but it was the behind-the-scenes moments like these that made the night unforgettable. Matt Riddle’s carefree yet determined attitude, Rhea Ripley’s unshakable confidence, and Damien Priest’s quiet intensity all added layers to what we saw unfold in the ring. These champions didn’t just come to SummerSlam to win—they came to make history, to forge legacies, and to prove that WWE isn’t just about who stands tall at the end of the night—it’s about the journey it takes to get there.

So, while the lights may have dimmed and the crowd may have gone home, rest assured, the drama backstage at SummerSlam was just as captivating as anything that happened in the ring. With champions like Matt Riddle, Rhea Ripley, and Damien Priest, the future of WWE looks as bright—and unpredictable—as ever.