Rhea Ripley’s participation in WWE Survivor Series 2025 is currently uncertain following a severe nose injury sustained during WWE’s recent Japan tour. The former Women’s World Champion suffered a broken nose in a non-televised match in Tokyo, a setback that has kept her off WWE programming and thrown her Survivor Series involvement into question.
Injury Details and Incident in Japan
Ripley’s injury occurred during a Fatal Four-Way tag match at WWE’s SuperShow event in Tokyo’s iconic Sumo Hall. Teaming with IYO SKY against The Kabuki Warriors, Ripley attempted to catch SKY after a high-risk move, but the effort went awry when SKY collided awkwardly with Ripley as she was thrown over the top rope. The impact resulted in Ripley fracturing her nose, prompting immediate medical attention and her removal from the ring by WWE officials mid-match[1][2][4].
In the aftermath, Ripley took to social media to share a graphic photo of her injury, showing the seriousness of the fracture and demonstrating transparency about her physical condition to fans. This post confirmed for many that her absence wasn’t due to storyline reasons but a legitimate medical issue[1][2].
Impact on Survivor Series and WWE RAW Appearances
Since the injury, Ripley has been noticeably absent from WWE’s Monday Night RAW broadcasts for multiple weeks, fueling speculation about whether she will be fit enough to compete in the upcoming Survivor Series event scheduled for late November. The timing of the injury, with less than three weeks before Survivor Series, complicates her outlook for recovery and clearance by WWE’s medical team[1][3][4].
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE initially planned for Ripley to be a key part of the Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. However, with the injury casting doubt on her readiness, WWE is reportedly considering other participants as potential replacements. Stephanie Vaquer is among the wrestlers likely to take Ripley’s spot if she cannot return in time. Meltzer noted that WWE’s alternative lineup could also involve high-profile names like AJ Lee, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and potentially Nikki Bella, to face off against rivals including Nia Jax and Raquel Rodriguez[1].
Backstage Insights on Ripley’s Recovery and WWE Plans
A WWE insider familiar with Ripley’s condition revealed that the organization is closely monitoring her medical progress but is wary of rushing her back too soon. “Rhea is a fighter and wants to compete, but the medical staff insists on a full recovery before she returns to the ring. They know Survivor Series is a marquee event, but they won’t compromise her health,” the source explained. The insider also indicated that while WWE values Ripley’s stature within the women’s division, it remains flexible on marketing the event without her if necessary, prioritizing wrestler welfare[1].
What This Means for Ripley’s WWE Future
Rhea Ripley remains one of WWE’s brightest female stars, known for her dominant in-ring style and recent reign as Women’s World Champion. A prolonged absence would be a setback but likely temporary, given WWE’s track record of reintegrating top talent after injury. Ripley’s recovery trajectory will determine not only her Survivor Series status but also her upcoming storylines and placement on WWE programming.
If Ripley is sidelined for Survivor Series, the Women’s WarGames match might showcase new or returning talents, shifting the landscape of WWE’s women’s division heading into 2026[1][4].
Fans and WWE Universe Reaction
The reaction from fans has been a mix of concern and support, with many expressing sympathy for Ripley’s injury on social media and hoping for her swift recovery. Her willingness to publicly display the injury has earned respect and underscored the physical risks wrestlers endure behind the scenes.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Ripley can overcome this injury to reclaim her spot in WWE’s biggest events in the near future.
Rhea Ripley’s situation remains fluid as WWE balances health and entertainment demands amid Survivor Series buildup. Wrestling fans should expect official updates from WWE medical personnel and talent relations as the event approaches.