Published: Jun 13, 2026 by Connel Rumsey | Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026 by Connel Rumsey
Connel has over five years of wrestling journalism experience writing about some of the biggest stories from across the wrestling world. Being a fan for 20 years, Connel has an expansive knowledge from a wide range of various wrestling promotions, including WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA and Joshi.@connel1405
WWE
WWE has announced a knee injury to WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley suffered last week in Italy which is currently being evaluated.
Rhea Ripley defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill back at WWE Clash in Italy in Turin, with Rhea retaining the title in the pair’s WrestleMania rematch.
Rhea continued to compete on the remainder of the European Tour, with her, Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair teaming up to defeat Fatal Influence.
However, fans noticed that Rhea had been working those matches with a bandage on her leg, and WWE has now provided an update on Rhea’s injury.
WWE Announces Knee Injury To Rhea Ripley
To kick off tonight’s WWE SmackDown show, Wade Barrett noted that Rhea suffered her knee injury while in Italy, and that she is currently being evaluated by the medical team.
The will have a better idea of Rhea’s potential return date dependent on how the injury responds to treatment.
We will provide any updates on Rhea’s status as they become available.
Backup Plans Following Rhea Ripley’s Injury?
While it seems hopeful that Rhea doesn’t end up missing too much ring time, WWE may have to look at potential back up plans for the WWE Women’s Championship should Rhea be unable to compete.
The most obvious potential back up plan would be for the company to put the championship either back on Jade Cargill or onto Charlotte Flair, as the two seem set for a match at WWE SummerSlam whether or not either have the championship or not.
Alternatively, WWE could really shake up the women’s division on SmackDown and give the title to a newly debuted face, namely either Jacy Jayne, who has been part of a storyline with Rhea, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte since her, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid were called up to the main roster on the SmackDown after WrestleMania 42, or Blake Monroe, who has yet to officially make her debut on the blue brand, but has appeared in video packages in recent weeks, even targeting Rhea specifically in one of them.
Other names on the SmackDown roster, including Giulia, Kiana James and Jordynne Grace, could also be more prominently featured and pushed on the SmackDown brand should a spot open up without Rhea on the show.
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