Tag: Zoey Stark

Zoey Stark’s WWE Return Reportedly Delayed Until Mid-2026 Following Major Knee Surgery

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.

WWE Star Zoey Stark Gets Baptized Amid Injury Recovery, AEW’s Brian Cage Was There For Support

WWE Superstar Zoey Stark recently shared a major personal milestone with fans, revealing on social media that she’s been baptized in the Christian faith. In a video posted online, Stark can be seen taking part in the ceremony while wearing a shirt that read, “I have decided.”

Interestingly, the event also featured AEW’s Brian Cage, who attended alongside his family to show support. Cage shared his own post about the day, expressing how meaningful it was to witness Stark’s baptism and celebrate her commitment.

While Stark’s faith journey is just beginning, she joins a long list of wrestlers who have openly spoken about their Christian beliefs over the years. Names like Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Kurt Angle, Chad Gable, and The Undertaker have all shared how faith has played a role in their lives both inside and outside the ring.

Stark has been out of action since May 2025, sidelined by a serious knee injury suffered during a Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match against Kairi Sane. During the bout, Stark’s knee appeared to buckle after a mistimed missile dropkick, and reports later indicated she’d likely miss the rest of the year.

Despite her time away from the spotlight, Stark has stayed active online, debunking an AI-generated video falsely claiming she had retired. The former NXT standout has made it clear that she fully intends to return to WWE once she’s cleared to compete.

Until then, Zoey Stark seems to be focusing on healing — both physically and spiritually — as she prepares for what’s sure to be a powerful comeback story.

Zoey Stark Suffers Scary Knee Injury During Money in the Bank Qualifier on WWE Raw

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.

NXT’s Zoey Stark Opens Up About The Extent Of Her Legitimate Injury

Former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Zoey Stark has revealed the extent of the injury she sustained at the hands of Toxic Attraction.

NXT star Zoey Stark recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL … but she’s already on the mend and is expecting to be back stronger than ever.

In case you missed it, Stark was the victim of a brutal backstage assault at the and of Toxic Attraction’s Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne on the November 2 edition of NXT 2.0. Stark and her tag partner Io Shirai lost the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship to Dolin and Jayne in the Scareway To Hell Ladder Match at Halloween Havoc the previous week, but the title win clearly wasn’t enough for Toxic Attraction — they wanted to completely incapacitate their rivals, and the attack on Stark got them halfway there.

In Stark’s absence, Shirai has joined forces with Kayden Carter and Kacy Catanzaro in order to do battle with Dolin, Jayne, and Mandy Rose of Toxic Attraction.

Of course, the backstage attack is just the storyline reason for Stark’s injury. The real cause of the injury is yet to be revealed, but Stark to Twitter to provide an update on her recovery.

“Sadly, I tore my ACL/Meniscus due to Toxic’s attack,” tweeted Stark. “Here’s the bad news for the ‘champs.’ Surgery went great and I’m already rehabbing. I’ll be back BETTER & STRONGER with three targets in mind! Until then [Io Shirai] [Kacy Catanzaro] [Kayden Carter] kick their ass tonight!” she added.

Zoey Stark (real name Theresa Serrano) made her debut as a professional wrestler in 2013. In January of this year, she signed for WWE and reported for duty at the WWE Performance Center. Stark and Io Shirai joined forces to defeat The Way (Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae) for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship at The Great American Bash. Shirai and Stark’s reign lasted for 112 days until they were dethroned by Toxic Attraction at Halloween Havoc.

Source: TheSportster