WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley will not compete at SummerSlam due to a torn meniscus. An interim champion will instead be determined in a five-woman ladder match at the event.
WWE announced the development Friday ahead of the July 17 episode of SmackDown. Acting SmackDown General Manager Adam Pearce stated in a video posted to WWE's X account that Ripley has been recovering from the injury but will not be cleared in time.
"Due to the tricky nature of the injury, it is my unfortunate duty to report that Rhea Ripley will not be able to compete at SummerSlam," Pearce said. "With her timetable uncertain, we have made the decision to crown an interim WWE Women's Champion."
Qualifying matches for the ladder match will begin on Friday's SmackDown and continue over the next two weeks. SummerSlam 2026 is scheduled as a two-night event on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When Ripley returns, she will face the interim champion to determine the true titleholder.
