Rhea Ripley WWE Replacement

Published: 2 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 2 hours ago by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

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WWE

At WWE Clash In Italy 2026, Rhea Ripley suffered a knee injury that could potentially sideline her depending on how she responds to treatment.

As the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Ripley.

If she is set to need some time off, WWE is not short on potential names that could be called up to replace Ripley on Friday Night SmackDown.

Here are seven potential Rhea Ripley WWE replacements.

7. Tiffany Stratton

Tiffany Stratton began her first reign as Women’s United States Champion on April 24

Tiffany Stratton has been someone who has been presented as a breakout star since her meteoric rise on WWE NXT.

Over the course of the past few years, Stratton has had reigns with the WWE Women’s Championship and NXT Women’s Championship. She is also the current WWE Women’s United States Champion.

As the other singles champion in the SmackDown women’s division, it would make sense if Stratton replaced Ripley moving forward.

Considering her combination of looks, athleticism and competitive drive, Stratton feels like someone who can fill the void left behind by Ripley if she is to be sidelined.

6. Jade Cargill

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night Two, Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women’s Championship.

Then in a rematch at Clash In Italy, Ripley once again picked up the win over Cargill to retain her title.

This bout proved to be one that could have still seen the end of Ripley’s title reign because of “Mami” suffering a knee injury.

After finishing up her first WWE Women’s Championship reign, Cargill might have a clear path to getting her hands back on the gold in the place of Rhea.

5. Giulia

Giulia and Kiana James ended their alliance on the June 5 SmackDown episode

On the June 5 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Raquel Rodriguez defeated Kiana James, Jacy Jayne and Bayley to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals.

Post match, Kiana James blamed Giulia for her own loss, which led to a falling out between the two.

Now looking to carve her own path, “The Beautiful Madness” could climb the ladder in short order.

Giulia replacing Rhea Ripley would be intriguing to see if she can carry the weight of the WWE Women’s Champion and being in the spotlight as the number one female star on Friday nights.

4. Jordynne Grace

At the start of 2026, Jordynne Grace got called up to the WWE main roster after spending a year on NXT.

Immediately following her debut, Grace found herself challenging Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship.

Despite her early success, Grace has been somewhat lost in the shuffle since the loss to Cargill and some injury setbacks.

Having the size and arsenal to stand toe-to-toe with Rhea Ripley, Grace could be someone capable of filling her shoes in this potential absence.

3. Alexa Bliss

Alexa Bliss teamed with Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley against Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Over the past few weeks, Rhea Ripley has formed an alliance and friendship with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.

Fighting against the likes of Fatal influence, Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab, Bliss has shown she can be someone Rhea can trust.

While she is still at the top of her game, Bliss has mostly been featured in the tag team scene, but an injury to Ripley would open the door for a return to form for Alexa.

Bliss replacing Ripley would be fitting and see if she can have another run as the top star in the WWE women’s division all these years later.

2. Charlotte Flair

Speaking of Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair has also found herself getting closer to Rhea Ripley recently.

Flair has made it clear that she has her sights on Ripley’s gold and plans to win the title before long.

While she has stood at the top of the mountain 14 times, it has been a number of years since Flair’s last reign with a world title.

Flair becoming WWE Women’s Champion again would give everything she needs to resume her time as a top star in the company in the place of Ripley.

1. IYO SKY

Over the past few years, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY have developed a competitive rivalry that led to a partnership between the former WWE Women’s World Champions.

After Ripley’s WWE Women’s Title win, she split from SKY with the “Genius of the Sky” staying on Monday Night Raw, while Rhea heading over to Friday Night SmackDown.

While they are currently on different rosters, it would not be surprising to see WWE adjust their plans and move SKY to Friday nights if Ripley will be in action.

IYO taking the place of Ripley would give SmackDown a reliable and versatile in-ring performer who can deliver the best when the lights are on the brightest.