WWE superstar Zoey Stark’s career faces a major setback after suffering a severe knee injury during a Money in the Bank qualifier match on Monday Night Raw, forcing an immediate change to WWE’s planned storyline.
At a Glance
- Zoey Stark suffered a serious knee injury during a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifying match against Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane
- The injury occurred when Stark’s knee buckled after attempting a springboard dropkick against Kairi Sane
- Medical staff immediately assisted Stark, who had to leave the match prematurely
- Rhea Ripley won the match by pinning Kairi Sane after Stark’s departure
- This injury is particularly concerning as Stark previously suffered an ACL tear in 2021 that sidelined her career
Severe Injury Halts Rising Star’s Momentum
WWE’s Monday Night Raw broadcast took a serious turn when superstar Zoey Stark suffered what appears to be a significant knee injury during a high-stakes Money in the Bank qualifier match. The incident occurred during a Triple Threat contest featuring Stark, Rhea Ripley, and returning star Kairi Sane. Stark, whose real name is Theresa Serrano, was attempting a springboard dropkick targeting Sane when she landed awkwardly, causing her knee to buckle in a way that was immediately recognized as serious by viewers and commentators alike.
Following the injury, WWE medical staff rushed to Stark’s aid and helped her exit the ring. The match was forced to continue as a one-on-one contest between Ripley and Sane, with Ripley ultimately securing the victory and advancing to the Money in the Bank ladder match. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted the situation forced WWE to change plans mid-match, saying, “So Sane (was pinned in) her first match back, which obviously wasn’t the plan. They had no choice, they had to do what they had to do.”
Zoey Stark left the Money in the Bank qualifier triple threat match on "WWE Raw" pitting her against Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane with a gruesome knee injury.https://t.co/3sd6dgwqaP
— WrestlingINC.com (@WrestlingInc) May 20, 2025
Wrestling Community Rallies Behind Stark
The injury has prompted an outpouring of support from fellow wrestlers and fans. Rhea Ripley, who was competing against Stark when the injury occurred, took to social media to express her concern. “Professional wrestling can be very real and dangerous… Tonight continued to prove that anything can happen,” Ripley stated, highlighting the genuine physical risks performers face in the ring. This sentiment has been echoed throughout the wrestling community as prayers and well-wishes continue to pour in for Stark’s recovery.
What makes this situation particularly concerning is that Stark has previously dealt with serious knee issues. In 2021, she suffered an ACL tear that sidelined her for a substantial period. This new injury bears uncomfortable similarities to that previous setback, raising questions about potential long-term implications for her career. As of this report, Stark herself has not made any public statements regarding her condition, leaving fans to speculate about the severity of the injury and her timetable for return.
Michael Cole informs viewers that Zoey Stark’s injury during the women’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifying Match, is feared to be a re-injury to her surgically repaired knee.
Wishing the best to Zoey! 🙏 @ZoeyStarkWWE #WWE #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/jxtALOsS25
— House of Colors (@HouseofColors_) May 20, 2025
Stark’s Rising WWE Career Now in Jeopardy
Stark joined the Raw roster in 2023 after a successful run in WWE’s developmental brand NXT, where she captured tag team gold alongside IYO SKY. Her main roster journey has included a notable alliance with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus during a high-profile feud with Becky Lynch, followed by joining forces with Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville. Her wrestling prowess earned her the 86th spot in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s prestigious ranking of top female wrestlers in 2021, marking her as a talent with significant potential within the industry.
This unfortunate injury comes at a critical juncture for Stark, who was positioned to potentially breakthrough as a singles competitor in the women’s division. The Money in the Bank qualifying match represented an opportunity to elevate her status within WWE, making the timing of this setback particularly devastating. While WWE has not released an official statement regarding the nature of Stark’s injury or expected recovery timeline, the visual nature of the incident and immediate medical intervention suggest the company is taking the situation very seriously.
