5 replacements for Rhea Ripley as the face of WWE following heartbreaking injury update

Rhea Ripley is one of the biggest stars in WWE and the face of the women's division. She recently suffered a merciless attack at the hands of Liv Morgan in the NXT parking lot, resulting in a fractured right orbital socket. This was later reported to be a real-life injury that might sideline Mami for several months. However, it could be a blessing in disguise for several superstars.

With Rhea Ripley temporarily out, it allows others to step up and claim her spot as the face of WWE. The women's division is filled with several talented names, and Triple H can use this as an opportunity to build future stars as a potential face of WWE. The company has a great avenue to build main-event talent in The Eradicator's absence.

Let's take a look at five replacements for Rhea Ripley as the face of WWE following the heartbreaking injury update:

#5. Cora Jade

Cora Jade has been a popular name in the NXT women's division for a few years. She has refined her skills remarkably and emerged as a potential face of the women's division on the main roster. With Ripley Ripley sidelined, WWE could bring Cora to the main roster as a replacement and build her as a top face of the company.

The 23-year-old is currently in a heated feud with Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer as a heel. Cora Jade has also worked as a babyface on NXT, has a large fanbase, and is immensely popular. Therefore, WWE can seamlessly transition her to the main roster and give her a character shift to position her as a top face in the women's division in Ripley's absence.

Besides, her run on NXT has seemingly reached its peak, as she has nothing much left to prove. Hence, a main roster call-up could also work as a fresh start for The Sorceress of Sin, giving her a new direction.

#4. Lyra Valkyria

Lyra Valkyria could be another potential replacement for Rhea Ripley as the top face of WWE. The Lady of the Opera has been a former NXT Champion and has even been endorsed by Becky Lynch. A natural babyface, she could become a fan favorite with the WWE Universe, especially with the right storyline.

Although Valkyria has been wandering directionless on RAW, Rhea Ripley's injury presents an ideal opportunity to elevate the 28-year-old. Triple H can repackage her and revive her NXT gimmick, giving her a monstrous push. The former NXT Women's Champion has the charisma and potential to be the next big star in WWE's women's division.

Lyra Valkyria had a strong start on the main roster, though her momentum cooled over time. WWE could now reignite that spark to build her as one of the biggest stars in the sports entertainment giant.

#3. Jade Cargill

Jade Cargill made a brilliant debut at Royal Rumble this year. However, the hype has gradually diminished, especially after she paired up with Bianca Belair. Rhea Ripley's absence gives WWE the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate her momentum and build The Storm as a top singles star.

Triple H could consider moving Cargill to Monday Night RAW once she drops her Women's Tag Team Title with The EST. The Stamford-based promotion can build her as a top face by pitting her against vicious heels like Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on RAW. This strategy could help The Storm regain her lost momentum and aura and fill up the void Ripley has left.

Jade Cargill has an incredible stature combined with remarkable in-ring skills, making her a force to be reckoned with. She has the potential to uplift the women's division in Rhea Ripley's absence.

#2. Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez is another young talent who could replace Rhea Ripley as the face of the women's division. The current NXT Women's Champion has enjoyed a historic reign of over 200 days and made a name for herself. Now that Ripley could be gone for a while, WWE could bring her to the main roster, continuing her red-hot momentum.

The Prodigy has nothing much left to accomplish in NXT. During her time in the developmental brand, she was both a heel and a face. This experience equips her to be the next face of WWE. At the young age of 22, she can transition to the main roster and rise to the pinnacle of the company.

Perez is recognized as the wrestling daughter of CM Punk and AJ Lee among the WWE Universe. Thus, she is quite a popular name among main roster fans, capable of filling Rhea Ripley's void.

#1. Tiffany Stratton could replace Rhea Ripley

Tiffany Stratton is arguably one of WWE's biggest future stars. Although fans have been clamoring for her to receive a monumental push, The Buff Barbie is currently struggling in the midcard division on SmackDown. However, Rhea Ripley's hiatus provides WWE the perfect opportunity to push Stratton as a top-tier star.

The 25-year-old is a former NXT Women's Champion and has a year of experience on the main roster. Triple H could consider moving her to the flagship brand as a potential replacement for Rhea Ripley. With RAW moving to Netflix, Tiffany Stratton could be rebranded as a top babyface and be pushed as one of the biggest female stars in the sports entertainment giant.

WWE is seemingly planning to feature The Buff Barbie in a high-profile WrestleMania match next year in Las Vegas, making it evident that the company holds her in high regard. Rhea Ripley's absence provides the company with the best possible opportunity to transition Stratton to a main-event caliber talent.