Rhea Ripley Injury Update: WWE Star Takes Positive Step as 2027 Comeback Remains on Track

Rhea Ripley injury update has provided WWE fans with an encouraging glimpse of the former Women’s World Champion during her ongoing hiatus. Ripley is recovering from a torn meniscus that required surgery, but a recent update from her husband, Buddy Matthews, showed that she is beginning to move around carefully during rehabilitation.

Ripley has been away from WWE since June after suffering a knee injury during her title defence against Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy. The setback forced the popular WWE star to miss SummerSlam, where Chelsea Green won the Interim WWE Women’s Championship in a ladder match.

Rhea Ripley seen walking with a crutch

Matthews recently offered fans a glimpse of Ripley’s recovery through an Instagram Story. In the video, Ripley could be seen walking cautiously while using a crutch as Matthews recorded himself during a workout.

While the short clip does not provide a precise medical assessment or confirmation of a return date, it represents a positive visual update for a wrestler who has been sidelined for several months.

Recovering from knee surgery requires a gradual rehabilitation process, particularly for a professional wrestler whose matches involve running, jumping, lifting and repeated impact. Ripley’s cautious movement suggests that the focus remains on rebuilding strength and mobility rather than rushing her back into competition.

Rhea Ripley comeback reportedly targeted for 2027

Ripley’s return to WWE action is reportedly being eyed for early 2027. If that timeline holds, it could place her comeback around the road to WrestleMania 43.

However, the exact timing of her return will depend on her rehabilitation and medical clearance. WWE has little reason to rush one of its biggest stars back before she is fully prepared to handle the physical demands of regular competition.

Ripley’s absence has already created a significant change in the women’s division. Her injury opened the door for other stars to compete for championship opportunities, while fans have continued to wait for the return of one of WWE’s most recognisable performers.

Kevin Nash wants WWE to explore specialist treatment

WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has also discussed Ripley’s recovery and suggested that WWE should consider funding specialised treatment to support her rehabilitation.

Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash mentioned BioXcellerator in Colombia, a facility associated with regenerative medicine and stem-cell treatments. Nash said WWE should consider sending Ripley there if it could assist her recovery.

His comments represent a personal suggestion rather than an indication that Ripley or WWE has decided to pursue the treatment. Any medical treatment would ultimately need to be evaluated and approved by qualified medical professionals.

Why WWE should avoid rushing Ripley back

Rhea Ripley is one of the most physically demanding performers on WWE’s roster, which makes a full recovery particularly important. Returning before the knee has regained sufficient strength could increase the risk of another setback.

A successful comeback is therefore more important than an early comeback. WWE can continue building storylines around the women’s division while Ripley focuses on rehabilitation.

The company also has several established performers capable of carrying the division during her absence. That gives WWE the flexibility to allow Ripley the time she needs rather than making her return a medical race.

Chelsea Green also suffers injury setback

While Ripley continues her rehabilitation, interim WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green has also suffered an injury setback.

Green reportedly sustained a broken orbital bone during a tag-team match against Fatal Influence on SmackDown. The injury adds another complication to a women’s division already dealing with the absence of one of its biggest stars.

With both Ripley and Green facing injury concerns, WWE’s plans for the women’s championship picture could undergo further changes in the coming months.

Rhea Ripley’s return remains highly anticipated

Ripley’s latest recovery update should provide some encouragement to fans, although it is important not to interpret a brief video as confirmation that she is close to returning to wrestling.

The former champion still has rehabilitation work ahead of her, and the final decision on her comeback will depend on her medical progress.

If Ripley is able to complete her recovery without further complications, a return in early 2027 could give WWE a major storyline heading into WrestleMania season. Until then, the priority remains simple: restoring her knee to full strength and ensuring that she can safely return to the demanding environment of WWE competition.