Story perspectives

Rhea Ripley Misses SummerSlam; Interim Women’s Ladder Match Announced

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

WWE announced Rhea Ripley will miss SummerSlam after she suffered a meniscus tear on May 31, 2026 in Italy.
Acting SmackDown GM Adam Pearce said the injury bars Ripley from competing at SummerSlam but she retains the championship.
A ladder match for an interim Women’s Champion will take place at the August 1-2, 2026 SummerSlam, with Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill and Charlotte Flair qualified and two more qualifiers set for the July 24 SmackDown episode.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 WWE vacated its flagship title after Stone Cold Steve Austin’s neck injury, staging an interim tournament to crown a new champion. A similar injury-driven vacancy occurred in 1990 when Ultimate Warrior won the world title, prompting a tournament that crowned Mr. Perfect. The 2026 Rhea Ripley meniscus tear and Adam Pearce’s interim Women’s Championship ladder match continue this precedent, keeping the storyline intact.

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Story summary

WWE announced Rhea Ripley will miss SummerSlam after she suffered a meniscus tear on May 31, 2026 in Italy.
Acting SmackDown GM Adam Pearce said the injury bars Ripley from competing at SummerSlam but she retains the championship.
A ladder match for an interim Women’s Champion will take place at the August 1-2, 2026 SummerSlam, with Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill and Charlotte Flair qualified and two more qualifiers set for the July 24 SmackDown episode.

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