Zoey Stark’s hopes of climbing the ladder at Money in the Bank may have come crashing down before they ever truly got started.
During her triple threat qualifier on the May 19 episode of WWE Raw, Stark suffered a brutal-looking knee injury in a match against Rhea Ripley and the returning Kairi Sane. The injury occurred when Stark launched herself off the top rope in an attempted missile dropkick on Sane — but something went horribly wrong on the landing. Her knee buckled at an unnatural angle, instantly halting the match’s momentum.
Stark immediately collapsed to the mat, clutching her leg in visible pain. Commentary quickly shifted focus as the broadcast tried not to spotlight the injury too heavily. The camera moved to Ripley in the corner and eventually to the MITB briefcases above the ring before cutting to a commercial break.
While WWE didn’t focus on the injury on-air, fan-captured footage from social media painted a more alarming picture. Stark, unable to put any weight on her leg, had to be carried to the back by a ringside medical official. In a somber moment, the broadcast briefly showed the official scooping her into his arms before cutting away.
As of now, there’s been no official update on the extent of Stark’s injury. However, the severity of the visual and the fact she had to be physically carried out has sparked concern across the WWE Universe. Given her history — Stark previously tore her ACL and meniscus in late 2021, which sidelined her for nine months — the fear is that this could be a similar setback.
This match was particularly significant for Stark as it marked her return to televised action following the release of her longtime tag team partner, Shayna Baszler. While Stark had been absent from in-ring competition for several weeks, this qualifier was meant to mark the beginning of a solo chapter in her WWE career.
Instead, it now raises serious questions about her immediate future.
Ripley would go on to win the match and earn a spot in the 2025 Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, but the victory was overshadowed by Stark’s misfortune. Kairi Sane, who was competing in her first match back since December, also showed strong form despite the chaotic nature of the contest.
With Money in the Bank quickly approaching and Stark’s status uncertain, WWE fans and colleagues alike are left hoping for the best — but bracing for what could be another long road to recovery for one of Raw’s most resilient competitors.
WrestlingNewsBlog.com will continue to follow updates on Zoey Stark’s condition as more information becomes available.
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