WWE reportedly decided against rushing Rhea Ripley back from injury, opting instead to prioritise her long-term recovery ahead of SummerSlam.
According to WrestleVotes on Fightful Select, there was a strong internal push within WWE to allow Rhea Ripley to fully recover from her meniscus injury rather than risk aggravating the issue by returning in time for next weekend’s premium live event.
Although Ripley remains the recognised WWE Women’s World Champion, an interim champion will now be crowned in a ladder match at SummerSlam. The injury has also forced WWE to make changes to its plans, with Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton reportedly moved from a scheduled title defence into the championship match.
WWE Is Hopeful Rhea Ripley Will Be Cleared For Injury By The Autumn
The report adds that WWE is hopeful Rhea Ripley will be cleared to return this autumn. Dave Meltzer previously reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Ripley had been scheduled to defend her championship against either Alexa Bliss or Jacy Jayne at SummerSlam before the injury changed plans.
Ripley last competed on June 3 during WWE’s European tour, wrestling in a six-woman tag team match at a live event.
