Man Loses Hundreds of Thousands to Ripley Impersonator
Man Loses Hundreds of Thousands to Ripley Impersonator
Anonymous
Key Points
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Pennsylvania State Police identified the victim as a Butler County man, and one report said the scammer claimed to be Rhea Ripley and said they needed money.
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The earlier Alexa Bliss impersonation case involved 79-year-old Alfred Mancinelli, who reportedly lost about $1 million, including retirement savings and his granddaughter’s college fund, after believing he was in a relationship with Bliss.
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A separate 2025 case involved a Memphis woman who sent money and gift cards for years to someone she believed was WWE wrestler Roman Reigns; she said, “To just find out that I’m talking to a scammer… it hurts me.”
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Wrestlers have described impersonation scams as involving supposed romantic relationships: Shayna Baszler said several people had been catfished into believing they were in relationships with her, while Deonna Purrazzo recounted a man driving from Connecticut to meet her because he thought they were romantically involved.
A 64-year-old Pennsylvania man lost at least $42,700 in March after a scammer impersonating WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley convinced him to send money, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The case is one of a growing number of online fraud schemes targeting wrestling fans who believe they are communicating with professional wrestlers on social media.
The victim declined to cooperate with investigators, and no arrests have been made. Ripley herself was not involved, and she has never endorsed such contact. The scam reflects a broader pattern: wrestlers including Alexa Bliss, Roman Reigns, and Shayna Baszler have all been impersonated in similar schemes that often involve fake romantic relationships.
How the Ripley Impersonation Scam Unfolded
A scammer claiming to be Rhea Ripley contacted the Butler County man and told him they needed money. The impersonator used Ripley's identity to build trust and persuade the victim to send funds. Police have not disclosed the specific method — whether through email, text, social media, or another platform. PWMania reported the fraud reportedly took place in March of this year.
The victim's reluctance to work with law enforcement has slowed the investigation. Authorities have filed no charges and made no arrests. The case remains open, but without the victim's cooperation, police face obstacles in tracking the scammer's identity or recovering the stolen money.
Wrestler Impersonations Are Targeting Vulnerable Fans
This is not an isolated incident. A 79-year-old Pennsylvania man named Alfred Mancinelli lost approximately $1 million to an Alexa Bliss impersonator. He believed he was in a romantic relationship with the wrestler. The money came from his retirement savings and his granddaughter's college fund. In another 2025 case, a Memphis woman sent money and gift cards for years to someone she thought was Roman Reigns. When she discovered the truth, she said: "To just find out that I'm talking to a scammer… it hurts me."
Professional wrestlers themselves have confirmed these scams are widespread. Shayna Baszler said several people had been catfished into believing they were in romantic relationships with her. Deonna Purrazzo recounted a man who drove all the way from Connecticut to meet her because he thought they were romantically involved. These scammers prey on fans' emotional attachments to their favorite wrestlers.
Warning Signs and How to Protect Yourself
Wrestlers have warned fans that any request for money from supposed stars on social media is likely fraudulent. Professional wrestlers rarely, if ever, ask fans for cash through private messages or social platforms. Legitimate contact from a celebrity would come through official channels, verified accounts, or their management. If a supposed wrestler asks for money, it is almost certainly a scam.
Fans should verify accounts by checking verification badges, looking at post history, and confirming contact through official websites or management companies. They should never send money to someone online claiming to be a wrestler — no matter how convincing the story. If contacted by a scammer, report the account immediately to the social media platform.
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