Debbie Keitel: Rhea Ripley Was Really Rooting For Me In NXT, I’ll Always Appreciate That

Debbie Keitel reflects on working with Rhea Ripley during her stint in NXT UK.

Debbie Keitel reflects on working with Rhea Ripley.

Back in September of 2019, Rhea Ripley would work a taping for NXT UK where she would square off with Debbie Keitel during her stint with the promotion. While the match was a short one, Keitel would leave an impression on fans. Since then, Keitel has left the promotion and become a familiar face on the Irish and UK independent scenes, while Ripley has shot to the top of WWE’s women’s division and is the current Women’s World Champion.

While speaking to Fightful’s Corey Brennan, Keitel was asked about working with Ripley and if seeing Ripley reach the heights she has is inspiring, noting that Rhea was always pulling for her in NXT, and that she would always appreciate that.

“Oh, completely. She was a huge star when I worked with her. But compared to where she is now, which is like mega stardom, it’s incredible to see her transition from NXT UK to the main roster. It is so inspiring because it means that anyone can do it if you put your mind to it. Rhea is is a really nice girl, she probably doesn’t want you to know that but she’s a really nice woman and she was incredible to work with. The experience I gained working with her and what I learned from her. Being able to work with her and stuff like that, she’s just an incredible person. She was really rooting for me in NXT, so I’ll always appreciate that.”

Shortly after her match with Keitel, Ripley would capture the NXT Women’s Championship from Shayna Baszler and compete at Survivor Series. She is currently scheduled to defend the WWE Women’s World Chapionship at Elimination Chamber on February 24th against Nia Jax.

Since her NXT UK exit, Keitel has wrestled across the UK and Ireland, including holding the OTT Women’s Championship for over a year. You can check out her full interview with Fightful above.