Backstage Update on When WWE Expects Rhea Ripley to Return From Injury

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is set to be sidelined for several months following her recent surgery.

As noted, Ripley suffered a knee injury during her title defense against Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy this past May. The Australian has since been away from television. Last month, Rhea revealed that she suffered a slight tear in her meniscus.

In her absence, WWE crowned an Interim Women’s Champion in the form of Chelsea Green at SummerSlam Night Two last weekend, hoping that Rhea would soon make a comeback to set up a match for the Undisputed Women’s Championship. However, Ripley revealed on Thursday that she has undergone surgery on her injured knee.

As fans wonder when The Eradicator will return to action, Dave Meltzer revealed in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) that the expectation within WWE is for Rhea Ripley to return in time for Royal Rumble 2027.

Meanwhile, here’s what Rhea wrote in her social media update:

“Life update. After just under 14 years in wrestling and doing sports my entire life… It’s caught up to me. Surgery was never a first option for me, but it got to the point that it was needed…First one down… Hopefully no more…” She added, “I’ve survived, now it’s time to start thriving again so I can get back to what I love to do! See you all down the road. 🤘🏼”

Life update.
After just under 14 year in wrestling and doing sports my entire life… It’s caught up to me. Surgery was never a first option for me, but it got to the point that it was needed…
First one down…
Hopefully no more…

I’ve survived, now it’s time to start thriving… pic.twitter.com/wmuD1qQv97

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) August 6, 2026