Major update on Rhea Ripley’s potential WWE return date - Reports
The WWE Universe is patiently waiting for the return of Rhea Ripley. The RAW Superstar has been away while recovering from an injury, but now a major update has just been leaked from backstage on plans for her return, and the potential date.
The Eradicator was forced to relinquish the WWE Women's World Championship 70 days ago on RAW due to a shoulder injury. Ripley was hurt by Liv Morgan, who went on to win the vacant title. Liv has also tried to take Rhea's place as Dominik Mysterio's love interest. A recent report claimed that Ripley chose to rehab the injury instead of going under the knife, but surgery is still an option if rehab doesn't get her ready for the ring. It was also said that there is no timeframe for her return.
The recent report also claimed the Judgment Day member would not be booked for SummerSlam on August 3. However, a new report from Fightful Select notes that WWE officials are hopeful that Ripley will be able to appear on-screen in some capacity ahead of SummerSlam, depending on if all goes well.
Backstage sources indicated that they have constructed creative plans so that Ripley can "slide in and return" to the storyline with Liv and Dom whenever she's ready, even if that's just a non-wrestling capacity. There have also been creative discussions about Ripley being involved in the title picture upon returning, which would be logical due to what was happening at the time of her injury.
The Nightmare will likely resume her push when she returns. However, a WWE source noted that the storyline available at the time of Ripley's return will dictate what program she's booked into, as many recent creative decisions have been made that still involve her despite being decided on during her hiatus.
Liv Morgan rumored WWE Money in the Bank plans
World Wrestling Entertainment is set to present the 15th annual Money in the Bank PLE next month. The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Women's World Championship is set to be defended at Money In the Bank. Liv Morgan's challenger has not been confirmed as of this writing, but she is expected to face Zelina Vega.
The Queen of Extreme and La Muñeca have feuded for the past few weeks. Morgan ruined Vega's Money in the Bank chances by interfering in the Triple Threat qualifier on last week's RAW, which saw IYO SKY defeat Vega and Kiana James. The LWO member then warned Liv that she was coming for the title.
Morgan and Vega have wrestled each other four times on WWE TV since 2021. Morgan has won three of those bouts, including the last that took place on the March 14, 2022 edition of RAW.