Zoey Stark Injury Update: WWE Star Expected To Return In Mid-2026

WWE superstar Zoey Stark remains on the sidelines following a major knee injury suffered earlier this year. The former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion has been out of action since May 2025 after tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match on “WWE Raw.” Recent reports suggest her return to the ring may take longer than originally anticipated.

According to BodySlam+, Stark’s recovery is progressing well, but her in-ring comeback is now projected for mid-2026. While the timeline is extended, WWE officials reportedly remain “very high” on Stark’s potential and have already begun discussions about repackaging her character — possibly turning her into a babyface upon her eventual return.

Zoey Stark’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

The injury occurred on the May 19 episode of “Raw,” where Stark competed in a triple threat Money in the Bank qualifying match against Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane. During the bout, she landed awkwardly following a springboard dropkick, immediately signaling discomfort. As a result, the contest was quickly modified, with Ripley pinning Sane instead of Stark as initially planned.

Following the incident, Stark underwent reconstructive surgery on her ACL, MCL, and meniscus at Rothman Orthopaedics in Orlando. Given the complexity of her knee injuries, the typical recovery timeline of 9–12 months was extended. WWE sources noted that her rehabilitation has been “steady and encouraging,” but doctors are advising patience to ensure a full recovery before she resumes in-ring competition.

WWE management is reportedly taking a cautious approach with Stark’s return to prevent long-term complications. With a deep women’s roster, the company appears comfortable allowing her extra time to heal fully, with internal talks indicating a mid-2026 target for her comeback.

Stark’s WWE Journey and Future Plans

Since joining WWE’s main roster in 2023, Zoey Stark has made a strong impression. Initially aligned with Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, she later turned on Stratus at WWE Payback 2023, setting the stage for her singles push. Stark went on to form the Pure Fusion Collective alongside Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville, a faction that dissolved after Baszler and Deville’s WWE departures earlier in 2025.

Now, with her return on the horizon, WWE officials are exploring new creative directions for Stark. A babyface transformation is reportedly one of the ideas being discussed, potentially setting her up for fresh rivalries and storylines when she re-emerges on television next year.

While fans will have to wait a bit longer, Zoey Stark’s injury recovery appears to be on track, and anticipation for her return continues to grow within WWE and among supporters.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Zoey Stark?

Zoey Stark suffered tears to her ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a triple threat match on “WWE Raw” in May 2025, sidelining her indefinitely.

Q2: When will Zoey Stark return to WWE?

Stark is expected to return around mid-2026 as she continues recovering from her knee surgery.

Q3: How is Zoey Stark’s recovery going?

Her rehabilitation is reportedly progressing well, and WWE officials remain optimistic about her full recovery.

Q4: Will Zoey Stark’s character change upon return?

Yes. WWE is reportedly considering repackaging her as a babyface when she returns to television in 2026.

Q5: Who was Zoey Stark last aligned with?

Stark last teamed with Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville as part of the Pure Fusion Collective before her injury.