Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Metalcore band Motionless In White took a moment during their November 5 concert in Orlando, Florida, to publicly thank WWE superstar Rhea Ripley for helping bring metal music and gothic culture to audiences around the world.
The Australian wrestler appeared onstage at the Kia Center during the group’s “Sweat and Blood Tour” stop, where vocalist Chris Motionless recognized her influence as a visible supporter of heavy music and alternative fashion. The band dedicated its song “Fight Like Hell” to Ripley, who inspired the track.
The appearance continued a friendship that has crossed the boundaries between professional wrestling and heavy music. Ripley has frequently expressed her admiration for Motionless In White and has incorporated a dark, metal-inspired aesthetic into her WWE presentation.
The Orlando moment came shortly before the band performed “Fight Like Hell”, which appears on their 2026 album “Decades”. The song includes wrestling-inspired imagery and was written as a tribute to Ripley. Following its release, she reacted emotionally to the gesture on social media, while Chris Motionless publicly expressed his appreciation for her support.
Fan-recorded footage of the onstage recognition has circulated online following the show. The band’s setlist also included material from “Decades” alongside earlier favorites.
Motionless In White and Ripley previously shared one of their most high-profile moments at WWE’s WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia in April 2024. The band performed “Demon In Your Dreams” live as Ripley made her entrance for a championship match against Becky Lynch.
Chris Motionless has described the WrestleMania appearance as a career highlight, explaining that he wanted the performance to do justice to Ripley’s entrance. In interviews, he has also praised the wrestler for using her platform to champion metalcore and introduce heavier music to wrestling fans.
Ripley, meanwhile, has openly celebrated her connection to the group, with fans frequently pointing out the similarities between her stage persona and the band’s gothic visual style.
Motionless In White are currently touring North America on the second leg of their “Sweat and Blood Tour”. The run is scheduled to continue through November 20, with further stops including Nashville, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Newark and Pittsburgh.
The band released “Decades” in July 2026, marking 20 years since its formation and adding songs such as “Fight Like Hell”, “Afraid of the Dark” and “R.I.P.” to its live repertoire.
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