'This is so painful': Aussie superstar Rhea Ripley forced to vacate WWE title due to injury

Australian superstar Rhea Ripley has been forced to vacate her WWE women's world title, just over a week removed from a show-stealing performance at WrestleMania 40.

The powerhouse Adelaide-born sensation had been on a tear for the past 12 months and earlier this year, main-evented a historic show at Perth's Optus Stadium.

The 27-year-old defeated all-time legend Becky Lynch at the company's showcase event, but injured her shoulder two nights later on WWE Raw.

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In an emotional address in front of the live fans on Tuesday morning (AEST), Ripley struggled to hold back tears as the crowd chanted her name and thanked her for an incredible title reign.

"This championship means the most to me in my entire life and that's why this is so painful," she said on Raw.

The legitimate injury occurred during an innocuous backstage fight with Liv Morgan.

Ripley - real name Demi Bennett - is arguably the greatest Aussie export in pro wrestling history, winning a plethora of titles since moving to the United States and signing with WWE as a teenager.

On her way out of the arena, a dejected Ripley was embraced by WWE boss Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and her Judgement Day teammates in heartfelt moments.

"We know when you come back, you are going to make Liv regret ever messing with you," Damian Priest said.

"When you come back, you are going to be more badass than you are right now."

At this stage, the severity of Ripley's injury remains unknown, but it is expected she will be sidelined for a number of months.