Rhea Ripley Shows Off Brutal Black Eye After SmackDown Win Over Giulia

Rhea Ripley sustained a visible black eye during her match against Giulia on the February 20, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown. Despite the injury, Ripley remains scheduled to compete in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match.

Match Details and Injury

During a nine-minute match at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, Ripley faced Giulia in a physical contest. The match ended in disqualification after interference from Nia Jax and Lash Legend, with IYO SKY also involved. A particularly hard kick from Giulia to Ripley’s head, driving her skull into the mat, is believed to be the moment the injury occurred [Source: Ringside News].

Ripley’s Response

Following SmackDown, Ripley shared a photo of the swelling around her eye on Instagram, sarcastically wishing Giulia a “happy birthday” [Source: Ringside News]. She posted a clip of the bruise on her Instagram story [Source: ITR Wrestling].

Previous Injuries

This is not the first time Ripley has sustained facial injuries during competition. In 2024, she suffered an orbital socket and broken nose injury, requiring her to compete with a protective face mask. She also endured another broken nose in 2025, again necessitating protective gear [Source: Ringside News].

Upcoming Schedule

Despite the injury, Rhea Ripley is still advertised to participate in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match in Chicago, Illinois [Source: Ringside News].