Former WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is officially out of action due to a legitimate injury. The WWE star was ambushed by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez in the NXT parking lot on the October 29 episode of WWE NXT. WWE confirmed Ripley’s injury in an official statement, sharing images and further explaining that she will be out for an “undisclosed” period.
Several prominent wrestling insiders have confirmed the severity of Ripley’s injury. Mike Johnson of PWInsider noted that the attack angle was used to cover a legitimate injury, while Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful commented on the scan WWE posted on social media, noting internal claims of the injury’s authenticity. Dave Meltzer further confirmed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Ripley’s injury is indeed legitimate, reportedly a fractured orbital bone, likely sustained in her recent angle with Raquel Rodriguez an Liv Morgan on WWE Raw. Ripley is expected to be sidelined for an extended period as she recovers.
This injury marks Ripley’s second setback in 2024. Earlier this year, she suffered a shoulder injury following an ambush by Liv Morgan, which sidelined her for months. Upon her return at SummerSlam, Ripley resumed her rivalry with Morgan, leading to one of WWE’s most intense ongoing feuds. Since early 2024, Ripley and Morgan have been at each other’s throats, delivering high-stakes matches but remaining far from settling their score.
How the NXT Attack Unfolded
Ripley made a surprise appearance on WWE NXT on October 29, intending to support the in-ring debut of NXT’s rising stars, including Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, Jordynne Grace, Kelani Jordan, and Zaria. But her night took a devastating turn when Morgan and Rodriguez ambushed her in the parking lot, leaving Ripley with visible injuries and lying in a pool of blood. The brutal attack was reportedly intense enough to raise concerns within NXT and among network executives. This angle used to written off Rhea Ripley from TV due to legitimate injury.
What’s Next for Rhea Ripley and Her Rivals?
Ripley’s absence leaves her feud with Morgan in limbo. As Ripley focuses on her recovery, fans anticipate potential storyline shifts involving Dominik Mysterio, Raquel Rodriguez, and Liv Morgan. Given Ripley’s fierce history in WWE, her eventual return is likely to bring high-intensity matches, especially as she seeks to settle the score with Morgan and Rodriguez.
The injury has temporarily removed one of WWE’s most dominant female superstars from the ring, leaving fans eager for updates. While Ripley recovers, WWE is expected to continue this storyline, building anticipation for her comeback. Her return promises to be a memorable one, especially as she confronts Morgan and Rodriguez for their ruthless ambush in NXT.