With WWE Survivor Series WarGames just weeks away, fans and insiders alike are closely watching the recovery of Rhea Ripley, who suffered a broken nose during a recent live event in Japan. Ripley, a former Women’s World Champion, has been absent from WWE programming since the injury, casting uncertainty over her participation in one of the year’s most anticipated matches: the Women’s WarGames.
The Injury and Its Impact on WarGames Plans
Rhea Ripley sustained the injury while teaming with IYO SKY against The Kabuki Warriors in Japan, where a collision during the match resulted in her breaking her nose. The severity of the injury was evident later when Ripley shared a graphic photo of her injury on social media, showing her determination despite the setback.
According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, the original plan was for Ripley to compete in the Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series WarGames 2025. However, with her injury and recovery timeline uncertain, WWE has been preparing backup options should Ripley not be cleared medically in time for the event. Meltzer revealed in a recent Wrestling Observer Radio segment that Ripley’s spot might be taken over by Stephanie Vaquer, with potential involvement from other top female stars like AJ Lee, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair to reshape the team dynamics[1][4].
A WWE insider shared, “Ripley was definitely slated to be part of the WarGames match, but the nose injury has complicated things. The company is hopeful she can return, but plans are in place to make sure the match stays compelling even without her.” This demonstrates WWE’s readiness to adjust on short notice without sacrificing the quality of the event.
Possible Women’s WarGames Lineups
The anticipated Women’s WarGames match initially featured a star-studded lineup with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, AJ Lee, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss teaming up against The Kabuki Warriors’ Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Roxanne Perez, and Raquel Rodriguez. However, if Ripley is sidelined, reports suggest that Stephanie Vaquer could join forces with AJ Lee, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair to fill the void on the babyface team.
Sources close to WWE also indicate that veteran talents like Nikki Bella could be considered to elevate the match intensity and fan interest leading up to Survivor Series. This mix of established stars and rising talent highlights WWE’s strategy to maintain a competitive atmosphere, regardless of last-minute changes.
Ripley’s Path to Return and WWE’s Contingency Strategy
While Ripley’s absence has disappointed many, WWE insiders believe she is actively working toward a comeback. The injury, though serious, is not expected to be career-threatening, and Ripley’s resilience has been a recurring theme in her career. One option being discussed backstage is a high-impact return on the upcoming episodes of WWE Raw, potentially staging a dramatic comeback to gain momentum heading into Survivor Series or future events.
Moreover, WWE’s creative team is reportedly brainstorming different narrative pathways that allow Ripley to make a surprise appearance or impact the WarGames match indirectly if she is not medically cleared to compete. According to a WWE creative insider, “There are a few creative doors open for Ripley — whether she gets in the match physically or makes a high-octane backstage or ringside impact, the goal is to keep her presence felt no matter what.”
The Bigger Picture: Survivor Series WarGames 2025 Match Card
Beyond the Women’s WarGames match, WWE is shaping other high-profile bouts for Survivor Series 2025, including a potentially intriguing Intercontinental Championship showdown between Dominik and Rey Mysterio, and a men’s WarGames match featuring top-tier names like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar. Injuries and lineup changes have similarly affected the men’s side, with discussions ongoing about replacements and storyline adjustments.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, November 29th at Petco Park in San Diego, remains one of WWE’s premier showcases and is expected to deliver high-stakes drama despite the hurdles presented by injuries to key performers like Ripley[4][6].
What Fans Can Expect Next
As we approach Survivor Series WarGames 2025, fans should keep an eye on WWE programming, especially the weekly Raw shows from notable venues such as Madison Square Garden and TD Garden. These episodes may provide critical clues about Ripley’s condition and WWE’s evolving plans for the event. Early November episodes could reveal creative decisions regarding WarGames lineups and major angles heading into Survivor Series, potentially involving surprise returns or notable debuts for the women’s division.
In the words of a wrestling source familiar with WWE’s booking approach, “It’s a dynamic situation right now, but WWE always has a plan B and C for marquee matches like WarGames. They want to keep the buildup electric and are prepared to pivot to give the fans an unforgettable show, whether Ripley is there to compete or not.”
Summary: Rhea Ripley’s participation in the 2025 WWE Survivor Series WarGames match is currently uncertain due to a broken nose injury. WWE is considering Stephanie Vaquer and other top female stars as potential replacements while hoping for Ripley’s timely recovery. The company’s flexible storytelling approach aims to keep both the women’s WarGames match and the overall event compelling, ensuring that Survivor Series 2025 remains a must-watch event for WWE fans worldwide.