An update has surfaced regarding WWE’s hoped-for return timeline for Rhea Ripley.
As noted, Ripley recently revealed that she underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and will be sidelined while recovering from the procedure.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4WOnline.com, WWE is currently hoping Ripley will be cleared in time for the Royal Rumble in February 2027 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
“Well, it looks likely now that this will end up being the women’s title and not the interim title,” Meltzer wrote. “Since Rhea Ripley just had knee surgery. The hope right now is that Ripley would be back for the Royal Rumble show.”
Ripley’s injury resulted in WWE holding a ladder match at SummerSlam to determine an Interim WWE Women’s Champion, with Chelsea Green ultimately capturing the title. Initial reports had suggested that Ripley might not be sidelined for an extended period.
There have since been indications that Green could be recognized as the full WWE Women’s Champion rather than an interim titleholder. During the August 7 episode of WWE SmackDown, Green was notably introduced by the ring announcer simply as “the new women’s champion.”
Ripley has not competed since WWE’s summer tour of Europe. Her most recent match took place at a June 3 live event in Lisbon, Portugal, while her last televised match saw her defeat Jade Cargill at WWE Clash in Italy on May 31, 2026.
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
