Rhea Ripley remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on her right knee, but WWE is already working toward having her at Wrestlepalooza in Perth, Australia.
During a Q&A session, WrestleVotes reported backstage optimism that Ripley will be able to travel to her home country in December.
“Yeah. Back to Australia they go. I know they’re hopeful she can make it. If she’s healthy enough, she’ll travel over there.”
Her presence at the event, however, wouldn’t necessarily mean a return to the ring. According to TC of WrestleVotes, Ripley could accompany WWE to Australia even without medical clearance to compete.
“She’ll be there whether she wrestles or not.”
Ripley revealed in July that she had suffered a minor meniscus tear in an unusual area, making it difficult to set a recovery timeline. After initially trying to avoid an operation, she confirmed on June 8 that she needed surgery.
Before the procedure, the internal expectation was that Ripley could return during the fall. Her absence forced WWE to create the Interim WWE Women’s Championship, which Chelsea Green captured at SummerSlam.
Wrestlepalooza is set for December 12 at RAC Arena. The event is part of a major WWE weekend in Perth, with SmackDown on December 11 and Monday Night RAW on December 14.