Scrapped WWE Crown Jewel 2024 Plans: Rhea Ripley Match Canceled Due to Injury

One Big Thing

WWE’s original plans for Crown Jewel 2024 in Saudi Arabia included a marquee women’s match between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez, but a legitimate injury forced creative to pivot.

Why It Matters

This change impacts WWE’s women’s division storylines heading into 2024, particularly affecting the momentum of both Ripley’s dominant championship reign and Rodriguez’s push as a legitimate contender.

By The Numbers

• 7 matches currently announced for Crown Jewel
• 1 fractured orbital bone (Ripley’s injury)
• 2 weeks between injury occurrence and public disclosure

The Details

• Ripley suffered a fractured right orbital bone during the October 21 Raw episode
• Injury reportedly occurred during a headbutt spot
• WWE kept the injury quiet until staging an angle on NXT (October 29)
• A four-way women’s tag team title match was added as replacement

Behind The Scenes

Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer reports:
“The show was changed due to an injury to Rhea Ripley… ending up delaying the planned singles match with Rodriguez which was confirmed to have been on this show.”

The Cover-Up

• Ripley appeared on NXT showing only her left side
• WWE staged a backstage attack angle
• Liv Morgan and Rodriguez were shown fleeing the scene
• Ripley was discovered “bloodied and laid out”

Looking Ahead

The timeline for Ripley’s return remains unclear, leaving questions about the Women’s World Championship picture heading into the new year.

What do you think this injury means for Rhea Ripley’s dominant reign as champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.