Overview
- Rhea Ripley announced in early August that she underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in her right knee and posted a social update that gave no firm return date.
- Ripley has been off WWE television since early June and missed Night of Champions and SummerSlam while remaining the lineal WWE Women’s Champion.
- WWE staged a ladder match at SummerSlam and crowned Chelsea Green the Interim WWE Women’s Champion to keep the title active on TV.
- Medical experts and outlets note meniscus recovery can range from weeks to several months, which has left Ripley’s timeline uncertain and intensified booking questions for WWE.
- Wrestling media report internal hope that Ripley could return by the 2027 Royal Rumble but also say WWE may convert or strip the interim title if Ripley cannot return, a choice shaped by past precedents when injured champions relinquished belts.