Rhea Ripley’s road back to WWE just got a little more real. A new video has surfaced showing the former Women’s World Champion for the first time since undergoing knee surgery, and while she’s already on the move, she’s still very much in the early stages of recovery.
In a Twitch livestream posted by pro wrestler and content creator KingKreas, Ripley was seen wearing a large knee brace while walking on crutches. As she made her way over, Kreas helped her get seated before sliding her chair closer to the camera, giving fans another look at how she’s progressing just days after surgery.
The footage isn’t surprising, but it does make it clear where Ripley currently is in her recovery. Ripley revealed on August 6 that she underwent surgery after a torn meniscus failed to heal without an operation. She shared a photo from the hospital with her leg locked in a brace and admitted surgery was never the outcome she wanted.
“Life update. After just under 14 years in wrestling and doing sports my entire life, it’s caught up to me. Surgery was never a first option for me, but it got to the point that it was needed. First one down. Hopefully no more.”
The biggest question still hasn’t been answered. Ripley never revealed whether doctors repaired the torn meniscus or removed the damaged portion. That single detail changes everything. A trim could potentially have her back before the end of 2026, while a full repair could keep her on the shelf well into 2027.
For now, the new footage simply shows what many expected to see this soon after surgery. Ripley is wearing a brace, relying on crutches and beginning the long process of getting back on her feet. It’s not the return fans are waiting for, but it’s another step toward it.
Everyone is still waiting for the update that matters most—when Ripley can finally ditch the brace, get back in the ring and start working toward a WWE comeback.
When do you think Rhea Ripley will return to WWE television? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
