WWE Hoping For Rhea Ripley Return Around Royal Rumble 2027

When WWE announced that an “Interim” WWE Women’s Champion would be crowned at SummerSlam 2026, many assumed that Rhea Ripley’s injury wouldn’t be one keeping her out for too much longer. The star reportedly picked up an injury during WWE’s European tour, taking her off the road and leading to several months of changed plans at the top end of the SmackDown women’s division. Ripley’s return timetable has now reportedly been revealed.

The multi-time champion took to social media this week to reveal that she he had undergone surgery for her injury, indicating that a return any time soon was no longer on the cards. There were rumours on the back end of this that WWE would be changing their “Interim” plans, with Chelsea Green being announced as just the “WWE Women’s Champion” on SmackDown. 

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was noted that the backstage hope within WWE is that Ripley will be back in time for the Royal Rumble PLE next year, meaning that she would be iut of action for another six months. 

It was reported this week that WWE were considering expanding the Royal Rumble event to two nights.