WWE announced on Friday’s SmackDown that Rhea Ripley is dealing with a knee injury, with announcers Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore confirming she suffered the injury at Clash in Italy during her Women’s Championship defence against Jade Cargill on May 31.
No timeline for her return has been given. Barrett and Tessitore noted they would have more information after WWE assesses how Ripley responds to treatment. Specific details on the nature of the injury are not yet known. Ripley worked several European tour live events after Clash in Italy before the injury was disclosed.
Ripley has been Women’s Champion for 55 days, winning the title from Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42. Cargill had already stated she would face Ripley at SummerSlam on August 1-2 in Minneapolis, and a Cargill vs. Ripley match has been internally pitched for the event.