WWE is hoping Women's Champion Rhea Ripley can return to the ring by the Royal Rumble in January following knee surgery, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, as reported by Wrestling Inc. Ripley tore her meniscus in a match against Jade Cargill at Clash In Italy earlier this year and could not be cleared for SummerSlam. WWE opted not to have her vacate the title, hoping she would return shortly after the event, but she is now expected to be sidelined for the rest of the year.
With Ripley out, Chelsea Green won a ladder match at SummerSlam to become interim Women's Champion. Meltzer noted Green could be awarded the official title if Ripley remains sidelined into next year. Ripley confirmed on social media on Thursday that surgery became necessary given the severity of the meniscus tear. Green is set to make her first appearance as champion on tonight's SmackDown.
Elsewhere, AEW crowned new World Trios Champions at Grand Slam Mexico on August 5, as Hangman Page, Bandido, and Brody King defeated The Demand at Arena Mexico in Mexico City.