Rhea Ripley Reveals She Underwent Knee Surgery

Rhea Ripley has revealed that she recently underwent surgery on her right knee, sharing the news directly with fans on Instagram. The former WWE Women’s World Champion explained that nearly 14 years of wrestling, combined with a lifetime of athletic competition, finally caught up with her.

“After just under 14 years in wrestling and doing sports my entire life… It’s caught up to me,” Ripley wrote. “Surgery was never a first option for me, but it got to the point that it was needed…”

Ripley didn’t detail the exact nature of the procedure or offer a timeline for her return, but the tone of her message suggests this was a decision she wrestled with for some time before ultimately committing to going under the knife. For a performer known for her physical, high-impact style — one that has made her one of the most dominant forces in WWE’s women’s division — the announcement is a reminder of just how much wear and tear the ring can put on a body over the course of a career that started when she was still a teenager.

Ripley has been one of the company’s cornerstone stars since bursting onto the main roster, capturing multiple Women’s World Championship reigns and becoming a fixture of The Judgment Day, the villainous faction she helped anchor alongside Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, and others. Her aggressive brawling style and willingness to take big bumps have made her a fan favorite, but that same physicality often comes at a cost — and knee injuries in particular have sidelined countless wrestlers for extended stretches.

WWE has not issued its own statement on Ripley’s status or absence plans, and it remains unclear how this will affect her spot on upcoming cards or any storylines currently in progress. Given that the announcement came from Ripley herself rather than through official company channels, further details about her recovery timetable will likely trickle out as she continues to update fans directly.

What is clear is that Ripley chose to be transparent with her fanbase about a significant personal and professional setback, framing the surgery not as a quick fix but as something she’d put off until it became unavoidable. That kind of honesty has become something of a hallmark for Ripley, who has never shied away from discussing the physical and mental toll of her career.

For now, the WWE Universe will be watching closely to see how long she’s expected to be out and what kind of role, if any, she plays in upcoming shows while she recovers. Given her standing in the company and the strength of the current women’s division, her absence — however long it lasts — will be felt. PW Exclusive will continue to follow developments on Ripley’s recovery as more information becomes available.