It’s been a tough road to recovery for Zoey Stark, and it looks like the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion will be out of action longer than originally expected.
Stark has been sidelined since suffering a devastating knee injury back in May during a WWE Raw triple threat Money in the Bank qualifier against Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane. The match was cut short after Stark landed awkwardly following a springboard dropkick, immediately clutching her knee. It was later revealed that she had torn her ACL, MCL, and meniscus — a combination that often requires extensive surgery and rehab time.
Initial reports suggested WWE expected Stark to miss the remainder of 2025, but according to a new update from BodySlam+, that timeline has now been pushed even further. Sources told the outlet that Stark is now targeting a mid-2026 return, though her recovery is said to be progressing well so far. WWE officials reportedly remain “very high” on her potential, even beginning to discuss possible creative directions for her eventual comeback.
Interestingly, internal talk points to Stark possibly returning as a babyface, which would mark a significant shift from the heel persona she’s carried since her main roster debut in 2023.
After moving up from NXT, Stark immediately made an impact as Trish Stratus’ protégé, helping the Hall of Famer in her feud with Becky Lynch before eventually turning on her mentor at Payback 2023. Stark later teamed up with Shayna Baszler and briefly formed the Pure Fusion Collective alongside Sonya Deville, but that alliance dissolved earlier this year following roster cuts.
For now, Stark continues to rehab her knee after undergoing surgery at Rothman Orthopaedics in Orlando. Despite the extended absence, WWE higher-ups are reportedly optimistic about her future and eager to reintroduce her once she’s cleared.
While fans may have to wait until next year to see Zoey Stark back in the ring, it sounds like WWE is already laying the groundwork for her return story — and if her past performances are any indication, she’ll be ready to make an impact when that time comes.
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