Full Breakdown
WWE Stars Commemorate Japan Tour with Matching Tattoos
10/19/2025, 10:37:38 PM
Overview of the Japan Tour
WWE recently held a two-day live event tour in Japan on October 17 and 18, featuring prominent wrestlers including CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, and Raquel Rodriguez. This tour was particularly notable as it coincided with AJ Styles' farewell matches in Japan, ahead of his planned retirement in 2026. The events took place at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, where the wrestlers participated in various matches, showcasing their skills and building camaraderie.
Matching Tattoos as a Symbol of Bonding
Before returning to the United States, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, and Raquel Rodriguez decided to commemorate their time in Japan by getting matching tattoos. The trio chose to ink a sumo wrestler design on their legs, accompanied by the date "October 18" written in Japanese. Rhea Ripley shared images of the tattoos on social media, highlighting the bond formed during their time together on the tour. This is not the first instance of Ripley getting matching tattoos; she previously inked similar designs with fellow WWE stars Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest during a trip to Puerto Rico for Backlash in 2023.
In-Ring Action and Injuries
The tour included significant in-ring action, with Ripley participating in a fatal four-way match for the WWE Women’s World Championship on the second night. During this match, Ripley suffered a broken nose due to a collision with IYO SKY, which resulted in visible bruising and bleeding. Medical staff attended to her immediately, and she later shared her experience on social media, maintaining a light-hearted attitude despite the injury. Ripley's status for upcoming events, including "Saturday Night's Main Event" on November 1, remains uncertain as she recovers.
Official Statements & Responses
Rhea Ripley expressed gratitude for her experiences in Japan despite her injury, stating, “Thank you Japan ? I still love you!” This sentiment reflects her resilience and connection to the fans. Meanwhile, WWE has not officially commented on her injury status or the potential impact on her participation in future events.
Criticism & Opposition
While the matching tattoos symbolize unity among the wrestlers, some fans have raised concerns about the risks associated with in-ring injuries, particularly in high-stakes matches. The severity of Ripley's injury has sparked discussions about the physical toll of professional wrestling and the need for enhanced safety measures during matches.
What's Next for Rhea Ripley?
As Rhea Ripley recovers from her broken nose, the wrestling community is watching closely to see if she will be cleared to compete in upcoming events. The uncertainty surrounding her recovery adds an element of intrigue to WWE's programming, especially with major events like Survivor Series approaching.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thank you Japan ? I still love you!” — Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
- “This isn’t the first time Ripley has gotten matching tattoos with fellow WWE stars.” — Source
- “Rhea took to her official X to share numerous fan videos or photos from the Japan event, including footage of her sitting ringside, getting checked on, and receiving assistance from an official to go to the back.” — Source
- “Ripley reportedly suffered a broken nose during the match.” — Source
This article encapsulates the recent events surrounding WWE's tour in Japan, highlighting the personal connections formed among wrestlers and the challenges they face in their profession.
