WWE to Crown New Women's World Champion in Battle Royal on Raw After Rhea Ripley Vacates Title Due to Injury

WWE has announced that a battle royal will take place on the April 22nd episode of Monday Night Raw to crown a new Women's World Champion. The title was vacated by Rhea Ripley, who relinquished the championship due to a shoulder injury that will keep her out of action for several months.

Ripley, who had held the Women's World Championship for 380 days, revealed on the April 15th edition of Raw that she sustained the injury during a backstage attack by Liv Morgan. "It's a total fluke. I'm going to be out for quite a few months," Ripley said, announcing she would have to vacate the title.

The battle royal to determine the new champion will feature several top stars, including Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, and Natalya. The winner will emerge as the new WWE Women's World Champion.

Ripley had been a dominant champion, tying Bayley's record 380-day reign. She last successfully defended the title against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40 before the injury. Ripley blamed Morgan for causing the injury, warning the new champion that she will be "coming back for blood" when she returns.

Why this matters: The battle royal presents an opportunity for a new star to emerge as the face of the women's division. With Ripley's lengthy reign cut short, the landscape of the division is set to change significantly heading into the upcoming WWE draft.

Liv Morgan, who confronted Ripley after she vacated the title, is considered a favorite to win the championship. Legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter suggested Morgan could transition into a strong heel character by capturing the vacant title. However, she will face stiff competition from Lynch, Jax, and other contenders in what promises to be a highly anticipated match to crown a new Women's World Champion.

Key Takeaways

• Rhea Ripley vacates WWE Women's World title due to shoulder injury
• Battle royal on Raw to crown new champion, featuring Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax
• Ripley's 380-day reign was 2nd longest in history, tied with Bayley
• Liv Morgan considered favorite to win, could turn heel as new champion
• New champion will emerge, reshaping women's division ahead of WWE draft