Last week, WWE announced that Rhea Ripley would be out of action indefinitely after fracturing her right orbital socket. The severity of that injury was something the WWE Universe had their eyes on. And it seems like there’s not much to worry about.

Per an update by PWInsider, Mami’s not as badly hurt as initially feared by some within WWE. The report added that Ripley’s earmarked for a significant role at WrestleMania 41. Hence, the company has its fingers crossed.

Rhea’s injury didn’t come about while training. It’s rather believed to be a freak accident inside the ring. To write the Aussie off TV, WWE staged a gory beatdown of her at the hands of arch-nemesis Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez two weeks ago on NXT.

Ripley, despite being down and out, sent a bold message to Morgan. As evident by that chaos, their rivalry seems far from over. It’s steadily closing in as one of the expected women’s title matches for WrestleMania in Las Vegas.

The fans have been feeling the pinch of this Liv/Rhea saga taking the perpetual route instead of wrapping it up already. There is still no timetable for Rhea Ripley’s return, but there was hope making the rounds among talents this week that the injury may not be as bad as initially feared. Ripley was earmarked for a big role at Wrestlemania, so the company is crossing their fingers.

– PWInsider pic. twitter. com/V05WtNI4Ae— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) November 8, 2024 However, now that Rhea’s legitimately injured, she’d be out for a while.

She’s not expected back this year. Also, that could set her up as a sentimental favorite to potentially win the 2025 women’s Royal Rumble match. If that does happen, it would only go one way—a rematch between her and Morgan for the women’s world title at WrestleMania 41.

RELATEDFormer WWE champion details ‘INSANE’ behind-the-scene story of working with The RockIn the meantime, Rhea’s arch-rival, Liv, finally has someone else from the roster to defend her gold against. This past Monday on Raw, Iyo Sky won a Battle Royal to emerge on top as next in line for the women’s title. Rhea Ripley weighing other options for WrestleMania showdownOn cue with most of the WWE fans, Rhea Ripley seems to have realized that her on-screen beef with Liv Morgan has overstayed its welcome.

Which is why she spoke her heart out during the Fanatics Fest appearance in October. Rhea Ripley names ideal WrestleMania 41 opponent (via WWE)The 28-year-old was asked about whom she’d like to face at WrestleMania next year. The Eradicator resorted to the options that netizens have been tossing around.

She mentioned Iyo Sky as one of the names that people want her to be in the ring with next. RELATED(Video) Roman Reigns REFUSES to apologize to Jey Uso after Sami Zayn lays out ground rules for OG Bloodline reunion on SmackDownApart from that, the former Judgment Day member mentioned Bianca Belair. The EST is someone whom Rhea’s long yearned to tango with at The Biggest Stage of Them All.

With just over 5 months to spare, it’d be interesting to see if any of Ripley’s bucket list matches make the cut for Mania.