WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley has revealed that a slight tear in her meniscus has kept her off "Friday Night SmackDown" for over a month, with no definitive timeline for her return.
Ripley disclosed the injury at a Power Slap event, explaining that while her knee is healing and getting stronger, she is currently unable to bend it properly. "It’s getting there. It’s getting stronger. I just can’t bend it very well. Kind of need to bend, guys," she told content creator Nina Drama.
The injury occurred in a "really weird spot," according to Ripley, making recovery time uncertain. "I’ve been out for probably about a month now. I think it’s been a month and one week," she said. "It feels better. It still starts to hurt and throb and it gets tired. I can’t get up or bend down really or kind of move side to side while crouching. We’ll see how it goes."
Ripley last competed in a tag team match at Clash in Italy on May 31, 2026, where she and others faced Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab. She successfully defended her WWE Women's Championship against Cargill at WrestleMania 42. Ripley has not appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" since June 5.
Ripley is considered one of the most popular performers on the WWE roster. Her absence has been noted as her championship partners, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, have continued storylines involving Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab.
WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield recently highlighted the depth of talent in professional wrestling during an interview with Fox News Digital, though Ripley's injury impacts a significant star.
