It looks like The Eradicator might be eradicated from the WWE Women’s Championship scene. Things are looking grim after Rhea Ripley appeared on SmackDown from Bologna, Italy, limping on her right leg. Now, reports indicate that Rhea Ripley has been seen wearing a knee brace. Here’s the latest on Rhea Ripley’s knee injury, and how it can derail future plans.
Rhea Ripley’s Knee Injury Latest of Injury Setbacks for WWE
Rhea Ripley’s knee injury comes at a bad time for WWE. WWE is heading back to the States after an extended European tour. The TKO-owned company is looking to launch a Summer Tour in America, with Rhea Ripley being one of the main advertised attractions.
Unfortunately for the WWE Universe, many fans shouldn’t anticipate seeing Mami in their hometown. Rhea Ripley is the latest WWE Superstar to get struck by the injury bug.
At first, WWE officials held out hope that Rhea Ripley would be okay after the swelling went down. In fact, the WWE Women’s Champion even addressed the Bologna, Italy crowd before being confronted by participants in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
One week later, Rhea Ripley wasn’t on SmackDown. Joe Tessitore announced that the former Judgment Day member was dealing with an injury. Internally, WWE was hopeful that Rhea Ripley would be cleared by SummerSlam. As time goes on, things are looking bleaker for the Women’s Champion.
Will WWE Strip Rhea Ripley of the Women’s Title?
There is uncertainty about the severity of Rhea Ripley’s knee injury. If she has something moderate, like a meniscus strain, then she could be back just in time for SummerSlam. However, if this injury requires surgery, then she could be out for up to a year.
All of that said, WWE is considering stripping Rhea Ripley of the Women’s Title. As of now, she is no longer expected to perform in Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions at the end of the month.
If Rhea Ripley isn’t cleared to compete immediately after Night of Champions, WWE is considering having her relinquish the Title. They are hoping to have a marquee Women’s Title Match to promote for the two-day SummerSlam extravaganza in Minnesota.
That said, Rhea Ripley’s knee injury isn’t expected to impact Queen of the Ring plans. The promo exchange on SmackDown two weeks ago was to set up uncertainty as to who the winner of the Tournament would select to face at SummerSlam. Odds-on favorite to win is Rhea Ripley’s Tag Team partner, Iyo Sky. Here are the current plans for Iyo Sky post-Night of Champions.
Is There Heat on Jade Cargill for Rhea Ripley’s Knee Injury?
Jade Cargill has a reputation for hurting other wrestlers, as exhibited during the WWE Holiday Tour last year. Thankfully for B-Fab and Michin, they won’t be on the receiving end of Jade’s attacks anymore, as they are now a faction.
That said, Rhea Ripley was the next to leave a Jade Cargill match with an injury. Perhaps that’s why Jade Cargill has so much heat from the women’s locker room.
Nonetheless, there is no belief that WWE officials are upset with Jade Cargill over Rhea Ripley’s injury. She is expected to enter a rivalry with Charlotte Flair going into the Biggest Party of the Summer.
No one is sure when the injury happened during the Clash in Italy match. It could have been caused by wear and tear or an awkward movement by Rhea herself. So, there is no punishment for Jade Cargill on the horizon.