WWE superstar Liv Morgan may be sidelined with injury, but that hasn’t stopped her from making headlines—and turning heads—outside the squared circle. The former Women’s World Champion appeared at the Stranger Things Season 5 red carpet event in Los Angeles, and her playful comparison between a Rhea Ripley Riptide and the show’s infamous Upside Down has gone viral, fueling speculation about her return and keeping her firmly in the spotlight[7][5].
Liv Morgan’s Red Carpet Moment Captivates Fans
On November 6, Liv Morgan graced the TCL Chinese Theatre for the highly anticipated Stranger Things premiere. Dressed in a striking ensemble that blended Hollywood glamour with subtle nods to her wrestling persona, Morgan was the center of attention for both wrestling fans and the entertainment press.
When asked by a red carpet reporter which was scarier—taking the devastating Riptide from Rhea Ripley, or surviving in the Upside Down from Stranger Things—Morgan didn’t hesitate to inject her trademark humor into the moment. “As brutal and scary as the Riptide is… I survived it. I don’t know if I could survive the Upside Down—especially without a phone,” she quipped, drawing laughter from those around her[7][5]. The lighthearted jab quickly circulated online, with fans and wrestling colleagues alike joining the conversation.
Recovery Update: When Will Liv Morgan Return to WWE?
Morgan’s red carpet appearance marks one of her first major public outings since sustaining a serious shoulder injury on the June 16 episode of Monday Night Raw. The injury, which required surgery, forced WWE to scrap several planned storylines, including a much-anticipated showdown with Nikki Bella at Evolution 2025 and a rumored SummerSlam program involving Dominik Mysterio[7][1].
Current reports indicate that Morgan is progressing well in her rehabilitation and is ahead of schedule. WWE insiders now expect her to be cleared for in-ring action in early 2026—a timeline that perfectly aligns with the build to WrestleMania season, leading to speculation about a possible surprise return at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia[3][1]. “Liv is working incredibly hard in rehab,” a WWE insider told us. “She’s determined to come back stronger than ever, and the company is keeping a close eye on her progress. There’s a lot of excitement about how and when she’ll make her return.”
The Ripple Effect: How Liv Morgan’s Injury Changed WWE Plans
Morgan’s absence has been felt across the women’s division. WWE was forced to rewrite major storylines, and other superstars stepped into the spotlight in her stead. Her scheduled match with Nikki Bella—a dream encounter for many fans—was shelved, and rumors suggest that WWE had even grander plans for Morgan in the months leading up to her injury[1].
Despite the setback, Morgan has remained a fixture in the WWE Universe’s collective consciousness. Social media campaigns and online chatter about her return have only intensified since her public appearances, with many fans speculating about potential feuds upon her comeback. The idea of a renewed rivalry with Rhea Ripley—whom Morgan referenced in her Stranger Things comments—remains a tantalizing possibility.
Liv Morgan in the Spotlight: Brand Campaigns and Hollywood Crossover
While recovering, Morgan has channeled her energy into a series of high-profile projects outside the ring. She recently joined Dominik Mysterio and sports commentator Stephen A. Smith in the Lids’ ALL CAPS holiday campaign, further expanding her mainstream appeal. Her acting résumé also continues to grow, with appearances in The Kill Room, Chucky, and the upcoming Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo[7].
With WWE’s flagship programming moving to Netflix in 2025—the same platform that hosts Stranger Things—Morgan’s crossover appeal is poised to reach even greater heights. Industry watchers are already envisioning new opportunities for synergy between WWE and Netflix originals, with Morgan as a potential linchpin for future collaborations.
WWE Universe Reacts: Excitement Builds for Liv Morgan’s Comeback
The WWE Universe has not been shy about expressing its anticipation for Morgan’s return. Social media has exploded with memes and posts celebrating her Stranger Things moment, and many are calling for her to pick up unfinished business with Rhea Ripley or embark on fresh rivalries when she re-enters the ring.
According to a source close to creative, “There’s a sense that Liv’s return could be one of the biggest moments of 2026. She’s more popular than ever, and the company wants to make sure her comeback has the impact it deserves.”
Backstage Insight: Liv Morgan Reflects on Recovery and the Future
Backstage, those close to Morgan describe her as upbeat and laser-focused on getting back to 100%. A WWE staffer shared, “Liv has been a positive force even while rehabbing her injury. She’s constantly checking in with friends backstage and staying involved in creative discussions. She’s eager to remind everyone why she’s a former champion.”
In a candid backstage moment, Morgan was overheard telling fellow superstars, “If I can survive a Riptide, I can handle just about anything. But I’m not taking on the Upside Down without backup—or at least a working phone!” The comment, delivered with her signature charm, underscores both her resilience and her sense of humor.
What’s Next for Liv Morgan?
With her recovery going better than expected, all eyes are on the early months of 2026 for Morgan’s highly anticipated return. Whether she’s thrown straight into the title picture, rekindles her rivalry with Rhea Ripley, or surprises fans with a new direction, one thing is certain: Liv Morgan’s star is only getting brighter.
WWE fans will be watching closely as the final season of Stranger Things drops on Netflix—and as the countdown to Morgan’s comeback continues. The only question left: will the Upside Down or the Riptide prove to be the scarier challenge?
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