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Rhea Ripley WWE injury and recovery

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2026-09-23 23:21 UTC → 2026-09-24 21:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley is recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus following a knee injury. Early reports indicated she might be sidelined for approximately six months, with discussions arising around potential specialized medical treatments, such as stem cell therapy. Ripley has since been spotted at a training facility performing standard exercises while wearing a leg brace. While she has not announced an official return date to the ring, her recent training sessions signal progress in her recovery. Her absence and subsequent injuries to other wrestlers, such as Chelsea Green, have created uncertainty within the SmackDown Women’s Championship landscape. Following her injury, WWE retroactively recognized Chelsea Green as the WWE Champion, effective August 2, marking the end of Ripley’s reign. Recently, Ripley addressed fan speculation after video surfaced showing her walking without a large knee brace. She clarified on social media that while she is walking more easily, “walking and wrestling are very different tasks,” and requested patience as she continues rehabilitation. Fellow wrestler IYO SKY commented on the situation during an appearance on The Ringer Wrestling Show, noting that Ripley had been managing an “extremely demanding schedule involving international travel and media obligations” prior to the injury. SKY expressed belief that the time away is necessary for Ripley to recover and return stronger. As of late September, WWE has established an interim championship, currently held by Chelsea Green, which Ripley is expected to unify upon her return to the ring.

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