Liv Morgan may be sidelined from WWE action, but she’s not far from the spotlight. The former Women’s World Champion, currently recovering from a significant shoulder injury, made headlines again—not for a surprise return to the ring, but for a memorable pop culture crossover moment. During a recent red carpet appearance for “Stranger Things” Season 5, Morgan delivered a quip that has both wrestling and sci-fi fans buzzing: she claimed the Upside Down might be more terrifying than a Rhea Ripley Riptide.
Liv Morgan’s Injury and WWE Hiatus: The Latest Update
Liv Morgan’s absence from WWE programming has been deeply felt since June 16, 2025, when she suffered a severe shoulder injury during an episode of RAW[2][4]. The injury required surgery and forced WWE to rewrite several major storylines, including planned matches with Nikki Bella and a high-profile SummerSlam encounter involving Dominik Mysterio[1][8].
Despite persistent rumors of her return—especially with major episodes of RAW at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden—sources have confirmed that Morgan has not been backstage and is not scheduled for any imminent appearances[2][3][4].
According to recent reports, Morgan is expected to be cleared for action in early 2026, but WWE has yet to announce a definitive return date[1][8]. Her recovery and physical rehabilitation remain ongoing, and the company is reportedly being cautious to avoid any setbacks.
A WWE insider shared, “Liv has been putting in the work at the Performance Center, and everyone backstage is rooting for her. She wants to come back stronger than ever, but there’s no rush—her health comes first.”
Stranger Things Meets WWE: Liv’s Pop Culture Crossover
The “Stranger Things” Season 5 red carpet provided Liv Morgan with a unique stage to engage fans outside the squared circle. When asked to choose between the fearsome Riptide—Rhea Ripley’s devastating finishing move—and being trapped in the Upside Down, Morgan didn’t hesitate to inject some playful honesty.
“As scary as the Riptide is, I survived it. I don’t know if I could survive the Upside Down, especially without my phone!” Morgan joked, drawing laughter from both wrestling fans and Netflix aficionados[5].
Morgan’s comparison quickly went viral, with fans debating which would be more harrowing: a wrestling move from one of WWE’s most dominant Superstars, or the otherworldly horrors of the “Stranger Things” universe. The crossover moment highlights Morgan’s appeal beyond wrestling, demonstrating her knack for engaging audiences with humor and relatability.
The Riptide and the Upside Down: Fan Reactions
Rhea Ripley’s Riptide is notorious in WWE lore—a lifting inverted slam that has put away some of the toughest competitors in the company. Liv Morgan’s resilience in surviving the move in past matches is a testament to her grit and determination. However, her admission that the Upside Down might be worse than a Riptide struck a chord with fans.
Social media lit up with reactions, with one fan tweeting, “If Liv can survive Ripley, maybe she’s got a shot against Vecna!” Others noted the irony: “Liv’s been through tables, ladders, chairs… but the Upside Down? That’s a different level.”
The playful banter has only fueled speculation about Morgan’s eventual return, with some fans imagining elaborate storylines where supernatural elements invade WWE—if only in jest.
What’s Next for Liv Morgan?
Backstage sources have revealed that Morgan’s injury forced WWE to pivot on several narrative arcs[1][8]. Notably, her planned showdown with Nikki Bella at WWE Evolution 2025 was scrapped, and her storyline with Dominik Mysterio remains unresolved. These disruptions have left a void in the women’s division, with fans eagerly awaiting Morgan’s return to shake things up.
According to a WWE producer, “Liv’s return is being treated as a major event. Creative has a few ideas in the works, but everything depends on her health and timing. The goal is to make her comeback feel special—not just for the fans, but for Liv herself.”
For now, WWE is keeping details under wraps, fueling anticipation and online chatter. Some insiders have even suggested potential surprise appearances or vignettes to tease her comeback leading up to WrestleMania season.
The State of the Women’s Division
Liv Morgan’s absence has prompted several shifts in the WWE women’s division. New contenders have emerged, and ongoing rivalries have intensified in her absence. Rhea Ripley continues to dominate, Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch remain perennial threats, and the return of legends like Nikki Bella has added intrigue.
However, the women’s roster still feels the absence of Morgan’s unique charisma and underdog appeal. Her injury and recovery have become a rallying point for fans who see her as a symbol of perseverance.
Liv Morgan’s Message to Fans
Throughout her recovery, Morgan has remained active on social media, providing updates and interacting with her dedicated fanbase. She recently thanked fans for their unwavering support, writing, “Your messages and energy keep me going. I can’t wait to see you all again soon!”
Her positive attitude and engagement have only strengthened her connection with the WWE Universe. As one backstage source commented, “Liv’s authenticity is her superpower. Whether she’s in the ring or on the red carpet, people relate to her.”
The Road to Recovery: What to Expect
With early 2026 as the expected timeframe for Liv Morgan’s return, all eyes are on her recovery process[1][8]. WWE medical staff and trainers are closely monitoring her progress, and Morgan is reportedly ahead of schedule in certain aspects of her rehabilitation.
Fans should not expect any surprise returns before the end of 2025, as confirmed by multiple reputable sources[2][3][4]. The company is committed to ensuring that Morgan is fully healed and ready to resume her high-impact style before clearing her for competition.
Looking Ahead: Will Liv Morgan Conquer Both the Ring and the Upside Down?
Liv Morgan’s recent comments have only added to her mystique, blending pop culture with wrestling lore in a way few Superstars can. While the Upside Down may remain a fictional threat, the Riptide—and the WWE ring—awaits her real-life return.
As Morgan herself put it, “I survived the Riptide. The Upside Down? I guess we’ll see.” WWE fans, and perhaps even the Demogorgon, will be watching closely.
Stay tuned for updates on Liv Morgan’s recovery and eventual return to WWE action, where she’ll once again prove that no challenge—real or supernatural—is too great to overcome.