WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley could be sidelined for a long time, resulting in multiple plans for SmackDown changing.
Ripley is reportedly dealing with a knee injury, which has kept her out of action until further notice. As reported by WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, there has been a “significant shuffling” for the future direction of SmackDown. It is noted that other women on the roster have had their plans adjusted as well as Ripley’s.
Fans noticed that Ripley had been removed from the Night of Champions poster and replaced by Women’s US Champion Tiffany Stratton. No Ripley match was announced for the show prior to the injury being suffered, and Stratton has yet to be announced for the show.
Rhea Ripley SmackDown Return Date Remains Uncertain
There have been no updates on when Ripley will make her return to TV, or if the title will need to be vacated. Ripley defeated Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 to win the Women’s Championship, and successfully defended the title at Clash in Italy.
If Ripley does relinquish her championship, this will be the second time her reign has been cut short due to injury. After suffering a shoulder injury shortly after WrestleMania 40, Ripley was forced to relinquish her Women’s World Championship.
Featured image: WWE
