Rhea Ripley’s Meniscus Tear Keeps WWE Women’s Champion Out of SummerSlam

WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley confirmed she suffered a slight tear in the meniscus of her right knee during her match at Clash in Italy. The injury has sidelined her since early June, and she has not appeared on WWE television since the June 5 SmackDown episode where her knee was visibly wrapped.

In a Power Slap interview with Nina Drama, Ripley explained the tear is in an unusual spot, making the recovery timeline uncertain. She reported gradual improvement but still experiences pain and limited knee bend, leaving her and WWE unable to set a return date. Medical estimates for a meniscus tear range from six to twelve weeks, suggesting a possible comeback in late August or September 2026, though surgery could extend her absence.

The injury forced WWE to revise creative plans, removing Ripley from Night of Champions and prompting Tiffany Stratton to defend the Women’s United States Championship instead. With SummerSlam just weeks away, her participation remains unclear, and the company may need to decide whether to crown a new champion or adjust the event’s women’s title match.