Rhea Ripley's Knee Injury Forces WWE to Revise SummerSlam Women's Championship Plans

WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley suffered a torn meniscus during a tour in Italy, ruling her out of SummerSlam 2026. Because she will not be medically cleared in time, WWE announced a five‑way ladder match at the August 1‑2 event in Minneapolis to crown an interim Women’s Champion.

The injury prompted several creative changes: the originally scheduled Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair championship bout was scrapped, and WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton, who had been set to defend her title in her home state of Minnesota, was moved into the interim ladder match. Qualifying matches on SmackDown will determine the remaining participants, with Flair scheduled to face Nia Jax for a spot.

WWE officials emphasized an internal push to allow Ripley sufficient recovery time, expressing concern that an early return could worsen the injury. The company remains optimistic that she could be cleared to compete again in the fall. In the meantime, Ripley has used social media to address disrespectful fans, posting a pointed message on X.