WWE Superstar Natalya talks growth of women’s division
Ahead of a historic Wrestlemania 40, WWE Superstar Natalya chats with USA TODAY Sports about the growth of the women’s division.
Rhea Ripley vacated the WWE Women’s World Championship on Monday after she suffered a shoulder injury that will force her out of competition for months.
Several reports on Monday afternoon said Ripley suffered her injury during a backstage segment during “Monday Night Raw” after WrestleMania 40. In the segment, Liv Morgan, continuing her pursuit of taking down Ripley, attacked her with a chair and threw her into the wall of the hallway. It is believed Ripley suffered the injury when her shoulder hit the wall.
On the latest episode of “Monday Night Raw” on April 15, Ripley kicked off the show and appeared in a sling as she addressed the attack by revealing her injury. Ripley said she was told she would be out of action “for quite a few months” as she placed her title on the mat of the ring. She vowed that she would be coming back for the title when she returns.
“When I come back, I’m coming back for blood,” Ripley said.
Ripley’s relinquishment of the Women’s World Championship ends her reign at 380 days, which just passed Bayley for the longest reign of the title in WWE history. Bayley’s reign was 379 days.
“Mami” of The Judgment Day won the title − then known as the Smackdown Women’s Championship − at WrestleMania 39 when she defeated Charlotte Flair on April 1, 2023. When Ripley moved to “Raw” after the 2023 WWE Draft, the title was rebranded as the Women’s World Championship with a new design.
The timetable for Ripley’s return to action is unknown.
Carol Dennis is an entertainment aficionado with an eye for all things pop culture. She dives into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, from movie premieres to music festivals. Carol’s passion for storytelling extends beyond her reporting, as she’s an aspiring screenwriter in her free time.
