Rhea Ripley revealed on July 10 that she suffered a slight tear in her meniscus, confirming the knee injury that forced her out of competition for over a month. The WWE Women’s Champion spoke at Power Slap, noting limited mobility and an unclear timeline for her return.
What happened?
During a Power Slap interview with Nina Drama, Ripley explained that the injury occurred while she was in Italy, a detail first reported on the June 12 episode of WWE SmackDown. She described the tear as “a really weird spot,” adding that she can’t bend the knee properly and feels a lingering throb when crouching. The injury kept her from wrestling since her last live‑event appearance on June 6, where she teamed with Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton to defeat Fatal Influence.
How does the injury affect her championship run?
Ripley remains the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, but the meniscus tear puts her title defenses on hold. She admitted that her body’s healing rate is “up in the air,” suggesting that any upcoming match could be delayed. The lack of a clear recovery window means the championship picture may shift, with contenders like Bianca Belair or Asuka poised to step in if Ripley’s return is postponed.
What’s the recovery outlook?
The wrestler said she’s been out for “just over a month” and that the knee “feels better and starts to throb.” She can’t perform side‑to‑side movements while crouched, limiting her training options. Medical staff will likely monitor her progress, and Ripley hinted that she’ll assess her ability to bend and move before committing to a comeback date. Fans can expect updates as soon as her condition stabilizes.
What’s next for Ripley and WWE?
Fightful promised continued coverage, and the WWE universe will watch for any official statements from the company. In the meantime, Ripley’s injury adds intrigue to the women’s division, with storylines potentially evolving around her absence. Should she return sooner than expected, she may target a high‑stakes title defense to re‑establish her dominance.
The situation underscores the physical toll of professional wrestling, reminding fans that even champions face setbacks. As Ripley works through rehab, the focus will shift to how quickly she can regain full knee function and resume her championship duties.