Rhea Ripley could be back on WWE television before the end of 2026—or she could be gone until well into 2027. It all depends on what doctors did during her meniscus surgery.
If the damaged part of Ripley’s meniscus was simply trimmed, she could be medically cleared in roughly eight to twelve weeks. That would put her possible clearance window between late September and late October 2026. Ripley would still need time to train, test the knee and get worked back into WWE’s plans. Under that scenario, an October or November return would be possible.
The other option comes with a much longer wait. If doctors stitched the torn meniscus back together, Ripley could need anywhere from five to nine months before she is ready to wrestle again. That would put her possible return between February and May 2027.
Even then, medical clearance does not mean WWE will immediately put her back on television. She would still need to get back into ring shape, pass physical testing and wait for WWE to have the right storyline ready. That means the safest estimate is simple: Ripley could return in late 2026 if the damage was trimmed, but a full repair could keep her out until spring 2027.
Ripley revealed on August 6 that she had officially undergone surgery after the torn meniscus failed to heal on its own. She shared a photo on Instagram showing her leg locked inside a large brace and admitted surgery was never what 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.”
Ripley did not reveal what type of surgery she had, which is why there is still such a huge gap in the possible return timeline. She did make it clear that she is already focused on coming back.
“I’ve survived. Now it’s time to start thriving again so I can get back to what I love to do. See you all down the road.”
The torn meniscus already forced Ripley to miss SummerSlam and caused WWE to change several creative plans. The company eventually crowned an interim women’s champion instead of taking Ripley’s title away.
Ripley previously said the tear was in a strange spot and admitted she was having trouble bending her knee, crouching and moving from side to side. Those are all major movements inside the ring, so WWE will likely be careful before letting her compete again.
For now, Ripley’s return window remains wide open. The best-case scenario puts her back before the end of 2026, while the more serious option could keep her sidelined until the first half of 2027. Ringside News will continue to keep you updated as more information on the matter becomes available.
When do you think Rhea Ripley will return to WWE, and who should she face when she comes back? Let us know in the comments.
