Rhea Ripley Not Expected Back By SummerSlam, Surgery Still An Option

Rhea Ripley vacated her Women's World Championship after sustaining an injury from Liv Morgan on last week's Raw. She will be away from in-ring action, and her recovery time is not yet determined. The injury occurred when Liv Morgan attacked Ripley backstage, sending her into a wall. Ripley injured her AC joint, where her collarbone and right shoulder are connected.

Initially, it was thought that a chair shot from Morgan caused the injury, but reports confirmed otherwise. The latest Observer Newsletter updates that Ripley is rehabbing her shoulder instead of opting for surgery. She's not scheduled to return by SummerSlam on August 3 and surgery is still an option if physical rehabilitation doesn't get her back to ring shape.

Ripley is out for several more months, but another top superstar is gearing up for a big return. On Thursday, WWE merchandise partner Chalk Line dropped a tease for new CM Punk-themed athletic shorts with a teaser caption that reads, "Countdown to SummerSlam." Make of that what you will. Punk has been out since January 2024 when he was injured in the Royal Rumble.

While 'Mami' is away, Liv Morgan has slid into her place in more ways than one. The new Women's World Champion is pursuing everything Ripley had, including Dominik Mysterio. Her romantic advances toward Mysterio have become a major topic among fans and received significant focus on RAW.

Dom is currently out of action with his own injury, which was initially reported requiring Tommy John surgery. He denied needing surgery and continues to appear on television in a non-wrestling role, with his arm in a sling.

Unlike Ripley, who is rehabbing, Mysterio remains a regular presence on WWE television. Meanwhile, Ripley is making the most of her time with her boyfriend, AEW star Buddy Matthews.