Rhea Ripley’s momentum after retaining the WWE Women’s World title has hit a sudden wall. Just weeks after her win over Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 and another defense at Clash in Italy 2026, the WWE star was sidelined with a knee injury announced on last
Rhea Ripley’s reign didn’t even have time to settle before the timeline changed.
Just weeks after winning the WWE Women’s World title from Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. Ripley returned for another title defense at Clash in Italy 2026. Shortly after that, WWE announced that Ripley was being sidelined with an injury. On last week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown, the announcement was specific: Ripley was sidelined with a knee injury.
This is a heavy blow coming only months after a prior health setback. In 2024, Ripley injured and fractured her orbital bone. Now the knee injury has interrupted what had looked like a strong stretch right at the top of WWE’s women’s division.
With Ripley expected to miss time, creative plans have already been reshaped across the SmackDown roster. Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select reported that significant creative changes were made not just for Ripley. but for several other women on the WWE SmackDown roster. The promotion also adjusted its Night of Champions advertisement—removing Rhea Ripley and swapping her with Tiffany Stratton.
The injury news comes as Ripley has also been dealing with something personal and private that she has recently brought into public view. A few months ago, a social media post went viral about Ripley’s weight loss. Ripley responded directly to the post after Revival Fitness shared it. addressing the rumors herself under the nickname “Mami.” She revealed that she was currently dealing with an eating disorder. writing: “Just a little eating disorder that I’m actively trying to handle [peace sign emoji].”.
Her post drew support from fans who backed her against the trolls.
In the meantime. WWE’s decision to sideline Ripley with a knee injury means the next chapter of her storyline—and the plans WWE had built around her—will have to wait. Until she returns. the adjustments are already visible: her spot has been removed from Night of Champions advertising. and the broader creative picture for SmackDown’s women has been recalibrated to fit her absence.
Rhea Ripley WWE Friday Night SmackDown knee injury WWE Women’s World Championship WrestleMania 42 Jade Cargill Clash in Italy 2026 Night of Champions Tiffany Stratton creative changes orbital bone fracture 2024 eating disorder