Rhea Ripley’s Return Hangs in the Balance After Meniscus Tear

Rhea Ripley confirmed on 12 June that her meniscus tear is still healing, putting her WWE Women’s Championship defense at August 1‑2 SummerSlam in doubt. The Australian powerhouse told Nina Drama at the Power Slap event that she can’t bend her knee, making a comeback "up in the air" for the biggest party of the summer.

Ripley suffered the tear during her Clash in Italy match on 27 May, where she retained the title against Jade Cargill. After a couple of European house shows, WWE announced on the 12 June edition of SmackDown that she was being evaluated for a knee injury. She described the tear as being in a "really weird spot" and said it is getting stronger, but she still can’t get up or bend down.

The injury strikes at a pivotal moment in Ripley’s reign. She entered SummerSlam as the reigning Women’s Champion, with tentative plans to face Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne or Alexa Bliss. A delayed return could force WWE to strip her or schedule a replacement match, disrupting her momentum and the storyline built around her dominance.

SummerSlam is set for the weekend of 1‑2 August at the Allegiant Stadium. If Ripley clears medical clearance, she could still headline the women’s title bout. Otherwise, WWE may pivot to a new challenger, possibly elevating Jayne or Bliss to the main event. The uncertainty adds a layer of intrigue to the card, with fans speculating on who will step into the ring.

The Women’s Championship has already seen a busy month. After defending against Cargill, Ripley’s next opponent was never officially announced. Should she be sidelined, WWE could crown a new champion at SummerSlam, reshaping the division’s hierarchy. That scenario would give rising talent a chance to claim the belt, while Ripley’s recovery timeline remains vague.

Ripley told the audience that her recovery speed will dictate her return. She emphasized that the tear is “getting there, it’s getting stronger,” but she still struggles with basic movements. WWE medical staff are expected to provide a status report in the weeks leading up to August, likely during a SmackDown taping.

Even with the setback, Ripley’s recent achievements-holding the Women’s Championship and headlining major events-keep her in the conversation as one of WWE’s top talents. A successful comeback would reinforce her reputation for resilience, while a prolonged absence could open the door for a new era in the women’s division.