News

Rhea Ripley Shows Off Gruesome Injury Following WWE SmackDown

By Harikesh Shekhar • Published Feb 22, 2026 08:41 EST
rhea ripley wwe

Ripley has qualified for the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, but suffered an injury on SmackDown this past Friday

Rhea Ripley faced the Women’s United States Champion, Giulia, on the latest episode of SmackDown.

The two locked horns in a contest that was fairly equal for the most part, with Giulia finding enough ways to match Ripley’s powerful offense. The match ended in disqualification after Nia Jax and Lash Legend interfered and attacked Ripley.

At one point during the match, Giulia had Ripley in a lock. The Eradicator’s arms were stretched all the way back with her head facing the mat. Giulia would then brutally kick Ripley’s head against the mat after breaking the hold.

Ripley later posted a story about her bruises on Instagram.

Rhea Ripley Shows Bruises Likely Received From Giulia’s Kick

WrestlePurists posted the same clip on their X account.

Giulia had her birthday on Feb 21, and her peers and Ripley wished her well. But after this incident on SmackDown, it would be Ripley who’ll be wanting some well-wishes.

Also read: Ex-Boxing Champion Breaks Silence After WWE SmackDown Debut