Rhea Ripley Got Jokes After Suffering Injury During WWE Japan Supershow

The Nightmare doesn't look like herself after she suffered a broken nose during WWE's tour of Japan. Rhea Ripley believes she looks like her dog at the moment.
Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley | WWE

Numerous WWE Superstars were in Tokyo this week as the company held back-to-back live shows on Thursday and Friday.

Rhea Ripley was in action during both events as she once again teamed with IYO SKY to take on The Kabuki Warriors, but things did not go according to plan during the match Friday night at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

According to those who were in attendance, Ripley attempted to catch her tag team partner as IYO was being tossed down to the floor outside the ring. When she popped back up, she was sporting a bloody nose.

Rhea ended up being escorted to the back after the match was over, and the Wrestling Observer's Brian Alvarez has now confirmed what many had already assumed — Ripley suffered a broken nose. 

Rhea Ripley got jokes...

The former Women's World Champion appears to be in good spirits about what happened. She posted photos of herself Saturday afternoon on social media, jokingly saying that with a swollen nose she now bares a striking resemblance to her dog.

Ripley was able to make it back out to the ring after the show's main event, which featured CM Punk taking on Shinsuke Nakamura. A special tribute was then held for AJ Styles on the heels of what was potentially his final match in Japan.

Several Superstars paid their respects to Styles, who has announced that 2026 will be his final year in professional wrestling. AJ was introduced to the crowd by Punk and the Phenomenal One delivered a heartfelt message to the people of Tokyo via Shinsuke Nakamura, who acted as his translator. 

“Everyone, as you all know, when I first came to Japan, to be honest, I didn’t know what people expected from me or if someone like me would even be accepted here. But from the very first day, you welcomed me with respect and passion."
"Every time I passed through the curtain to the ring in Japan, I gave everything I had because I felt you all were worthy of it. In return, you gave me something I will never forget: trust, energy, and love for professional wrestling. Maybe one day I’ll leave this ring, but a part of my heart will always remain here, in the hearts of the Japanese people and in each and every one of you. Thank you.” h/t Wrestling Observer

As for Ripley, it's not currently known how much time she'll have to spend away from the ring, if any at all.

The Nightmare has been a key cog in the ongoing storyline between IYO SKY, Asuka and Kairi Sane. Even if she has to take a few weeks off from competing in the ring, there's no reason why she couldn't stay involved on Monday Night Raw in some other capacity.

Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley | WWE

We'll provide an update on Rhea Ripley's condition just as soon as one is available.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com