Rhea Ripley is an ongoing WWE Superstar “The Eradicator.” She has been facing a number of injuries in 2024 and 2025. She is never the one to give up on her setbacks. Now, she is fighting to return stronger than ever.
What injuries has Rhea endured?
Ripley hurt her right arm when she was attacked behind the scenes following WrestleMania XL in April 2024. She had to vacate her record-breaking Women’s World Championship following a record-breaking 380-day reign.
She also just revealed that she’s been struggling with a long-term lower back injury, one which plagued her “for years.” The injury nearly kept her from performing at WrestleMania, and it shows just how bad it got.
How Long Will She Be Out
WWE sources revealed Ripley has been out of action for quite some time now and no definite date yet has been finalized for her return. Rumor had previously suggested she would be out for a number of weeks with the shoulder injury. The recurring back pain makes it clear that WWE does not want to take a risk, ensuring that she is absolutely prepared before returning to action.
What’s the Recovery Plan?
Rhea’s rehabilitation has consisted of a series of steps:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation for back and arm
- Strength and conditioning exercises to regain muscle and flexibility
- Returning to training gradually, first off-camera, then in-ring
Sources suggest WWE is optimistic that she will be ready for a high-profile return at WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, but will delay if her rehabilitation will just take a little more time.
Signs of Progress
Even though she was out of commission, Ripley has appeared in WWE official promotional material, such as highlight reels of her best moments. This is an indication that WWE is keeping her in the picture and building towards her return.
She even appeared at Night of Champions 2025 in Riyadh. Even though she suffered bruised ribs in that match. She was back in the ring immediately and promised fans she’d be just fine.
Fall of a reigning champion
Rhea Ripley’s injury could not have come at a worse moment. Having just completed a record-breaking 380-day reign as Women’s World Champion, she was forced to relinquish it due to a backstage assault that left her right shoulder badly injured. Fans who had witnessed her career develop from NXT to RAW were left stunned. Her rise to the very top was electric, with an intensity, hard-fought matches, and unapologetic attitude. Watching her conquer the title was a bitter pill to swallow—by no means just for her, but for her fans and the WWE Universe.
The Secret Back Struggle
Her shoulder injury was front-page news. Ripley’s recent acknowledgment of her chronic lower back issues blindsided even veteran fans. In an interview, she admitted the pain had been lingering for years. It’s affecting her day-to-day training and in-ring performance. It’s a common but critical issue for pro wrestlers. She competed at the highest level despite the condition proving her resilience. WWE’s medical team is reportedly focusing on her long-term spine health and shoulder recovery.
WWE’s Careful Approach
Unlike during the good old days when WWE talents were recalled earlier, the company is much more cautious nowadays. With Ripley being one of the biggest overseas faces in female wrestling. WWE is not taking any chances. Several insiders have stated that Triple H and WWE’s Performance Center staff are consulting with her medical team. In order to develop a gradual, not hasty, rehab plan. The strategy is constructed not only to return, but to sustain herself in the long run in her profession.
Physical Therapy and Strength Training
According to a recent Fightful report, Ripley’s rehab has included deep tissue massage, water therapy, and yoga rehab—a crucial set of moves for keeping her back intact and flexible. At the same time, she’s also been performing strength training. So she can regain full range of motion in her shoulder. She’s been spotted at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando on a regular basis. It’s an encouraging sign for those closely tracking her on social media.
Subtle Tweets and Social Media Hints
Rhea Ripley has not remained silent during her hiatus. Her throwback photos from around her career, Instagram gym clips, and subtle tweets have left everyone questioning. In a tweet, she simply typed, “Don’t count me out. #TheEradicatorWillRise.” It has garnered praise from fans and fellow superstars alike. It has fuelled speculation that she is coming back very soon. Others speculate that WWE is creating a huge surprise pop return for someone for an upcoming premium live event.
The RAW and SmackDown Scene Without Her
Ripley’s layoff has reordered the women’s roster on both shows. Liv Morgan capitalized by pinching the title, and other players like Bianca Belair, Bayley, Iyo Sky, and Becky Lynch have had to change storylines. There is no dominance without Ripley. No other competitor today even approaches her power-technical hybrid in-ring wrestling style, and that’s precisely why her return is so highly anticipated—she upends the whole complexion of the roster.
Night of Champions Tease
Her Night of Champions 2025 outing was brief but joyous. Though not on the schedule to wrestle, Ripley entered the action during an unexpected segment, her ribs bruised as a consequence. Joining the action despite not being 100% proved that she’s still mentally “in the fight” to the audience. According to backstage sources, her involvement was monitored under tight medical scrutiny, WWE powers that be wanting to know how she coped with the pressure.
Will WrestleMania 41 Be Her Moment?
Most in the WWE Universe think WrestleMania 41 will be her return stage. Taking place in April 2025 in Las Vegas, it’s the largest stage WWE has to offer. A healthy and enraged Rhea Ripley back in the ring could top the women’s division once more, even main eventing Night 1. Rumored storylines include a grudge match against Liv Morgan, a redemption pursuit of the championship, or even a multi-brand elimination match.
Rivalries Waiting to Blow
Rhea Ripley’s absence hasn’t cooled down rivalries. Liv Morgan’s character progression is based on profiting off Ripley’s injury. That tension can turn into a vicious return feud. Iyo Sky, the high-flyer technician, has also taunted Ripley in recent promo segments. And then there’s Dominik Mysterio, whose on-screen loyalty to Ripley has created depth in his storylines. A return in a dramatic fashion could have her backing or turning on Dominik—either direction, drama is assured.
Fan Reactions to Her Road to Recovery
Fans on online forums like Reddit, X (Twitter), and YouTube continue to put out tribute videos, injury updates, and return fantasy bookings for Rhea Ripley. Pro wrestling pundits on websites place her on “most likely to return” lists. Her fanbase remains loudly dedicated. This is not because of her athleticism. It’s also because of how open she is about her physical and emotional health. Fans praise her truthfulness and toughness. She is a contemporary icon. She is comfortable with being vulnerable.
Mental Strength and Emotional Resilience
In addition to physical healing, there is also mental toughness involved in professional wrestling. Rhea has also complained about mental issues in the past, especially from her previous stints in NXT UK and after short character shifts. This time out has likely afforded her the time to work on that part of healing as well. Through restoring both body and mind strength, she’s getting herself back together not just for a fleeting return—but for a sustained second prime.
What Is at Stake Upon Return?
Rhea’s return will be about more than just capturing a title. It’s about taking her place back as the face of WWE women’s division supremacy. Sure, gold is sweet, but her brand is larger than that—her look, charisma, power game, and mic work have established her as a whole package. A successful return won’t just enable fans to have their Eradicator back, but make one thing plain: Rhea Ripley ain’t done, not by a long shot.
What Fans Can Expect Next
Expect WWE to bring Ripley back when she’s fully healthy. Her comeback could include:
- A title chase on RAW or SmackDown
- A big match at WrestleMania 41
- Renewed feuds with rivals like Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, or Iyo Sky
Her schedule will depend on how well her arm and back heal. Especially given WWE’s busy pay-per-view calendar.
Why This Matters
She is one of WWE’s brightest stars. She is a former two-time Women’s World Champion. She is the first woman to hold multiple major titles from Australia. Returning too soon and risking re-injury could delay her momentum.
By taking the time to fully recover, Rhea returns strong and long.
In Summary
Injuries: Back issue and April 2024 arm injury; title was lost
Recovery status: Still rehabbing; no return date planned as of yet
Recent appearance: Bruised ribs at Night of Champions, healing well
Return hopes: More likely some time around WrestleMania 41 if cleared
Rhea Ripley’s return will be worth the wait. When she returns, expect a rough, in-your-face presence—able to deliver main event bouts and her next championship reign.
