On this week’s WWE SmackDown, acting General Manager Adam Pearce made it known that Rhea Ripley’s injury will keep Mami out of competition at SummerSlam 2026. That said, WWE has made a huge decision that will ensure that there will be a WWE Women’s Champion active on the Blue Brand.
Rhea Ripley Injury Prompts WWE to Crown Interim Champion at SummerSlam 2026
SmackDown in Albany, New York saw four SmackDown superstars go at it in a series of qualifiers. What for? Well, a 5-Woman Ladder Match will be set for SummerSlam 2026, with the victor of said match becoming Interim WWE Women’s Champion. Friday night, we saw Jacy Jayne, Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Jade Cargill, compete for the first two slots for the 5-Woman War at SummerSlam 2026.
Over the next few weeks, three more will join them in this battle to become Interim WWE Women’s Champion. That said, Adam Pearce has made it explicitly clear, once Rhea Ripley is back, the two holders of the title will go at it one-on-one to crown an Undisputed WWE Women’s Champion.
