Rhea Ripley’s knee injury might be a much bigger problem for WWE than just one missed match at the SummerSlam Premium Live Event.
During a Q&A session, WrestleVotes was asked about Ripley’s status for SummerSlam, and the answer was not exactly comforting. WWE is still waiting to find out how long she could be out, and if she misses SummerSlam, the company may have to start tearing up plans.
“They did announce Friday night she sustained an injury. From what we’re told, they’re still waiting to figure out how long this will be and if she will miss SummerSlam.”
That’s the big issue right now. Ripley is still being evaluated after suffering a knee injury while in Italy, and WWE has not locked in a return timeline. With SummerSlam coming up, that puts creative in a tough spot. WrestleVotes noted that if Ripley can’t make the show, several plans could change. One match that may be affected is Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair, which had been penciled in at one point.
“If she misses SummerSlam, a lot of plans change. We reported how at one point Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair was penciled in. I believe that match gets changed if Rhea Ripley is affected by the injury.”
The reason is pretty simple: if Ripley can’t defend the Women’s Championship, WWE still needs a title match. That could force the company to shift major names around and rethink the women’s division direction for the event.
“They’re waiting—storylines are going to be fluctuating. So that Charlotte vs. Jade match may be out the window now because they need a title match somehow, some way if Rhea Ripley can’t go.”
Ripley last wrestled at WWE Clash in Italy, where she retained the Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill. She also worked a few live events during WWE’s European Summer Tour before WWE announced on SmackDown that she was being evaluated for the knee issue.
Bottom line, WWE is in wait-and-see mode. If Ripley heals up fast, SummerSlam may stay on track. If not, the company could be forced to reshuffle one of its biggest women’s division plans, and Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill might be the first thing sacrificed.
What do you think WWE should do if Rhea Ripley can’t make SummerSlam? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.
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