Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE is internally targeting Royal Rumble 2027 for Rhea Ripley’s in-ring return after the WWE Women’s Champion underwent knee surgery. It is not a confirmed return date, as Ripley has only just begun her recovery.
Ripley announced on August 6 that she had her first surgery after nearly 14 years in pro wrestling. She said surgery was not her first option but ultimately became necessary. She did not provide a timetable for her return.
Ripley has been out of action since early June. Her last match was the June 3 WWE live event in Lisbon, Portugal, where she teamed with Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton. Her final televised match came on May 31 at Clash in Italy, where she defeated Jade Cargill to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.
Cultaholic Wrestling @Cultaholic Follow (Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
1:24 PM · Aug 7, 2026In July, Ripley revealed she had a small meniscus tear but said the tear was in an unusual part of the knee, making the recovery timeline uncertain. At the time, WWE was still hopeful she could return in the fall before surgery became necessary.
Her absence led WWE to create an interim championship. Chelsea Green won a Ladder Match at SummerSlam over Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, Lash Legend and Tiffany Stratton and is the current Interim WWE Women’s Champion. Green is advertised for this Friday’s SmackDown, where the interim title situation could develop further.
Royal Rumble 2027 takes place in February at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. WWE has not announced an exact date.