WWE superstar Zoey Stark faces a devastating career setback as her second major knee surgery will sideline her past WrestleMania 42 in 2026, derailing what had been a promising trajectory for the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion.

At a Glance

• Zoey Stark suffered a severe knee injury during the May 19, 2025, episode of WWE Raw during a Money in the Bank qualifying match
• This marks Stark’s second serious knee surgery since joining WWE in 2021
• Recovery is expected to extend beyond WrestleMania 42 in 2026
• Stark had been building momentum since joining the main roster in 2023, including a notable alliance with wrestling legend Trish Stratus

The Injury Moment

WWE superstar Zoey Stark sustained a significant knee injury during the May 19, 2025, episode of Monday Night Raw. The injury occurred while Stark was executing a missile dropkick during a Money in the Bank qualifying match. Medical staff immediately attended to Stark after her knee visibly buckled, and she was promptly removed from the Triple Threat qualifier. Initial reports indicated a possible tear requiring surgical intervention, with WWE reportedly preparing for her extended absence.

Following the injury, Stark underwent knee surgery, confirming the severity of her condition. This operation will keep her sidelined for an extended period, with reports now suggesting her recovery will stretch beyond WrestleMania 42 in 2026. The timing represents a significant setback for Stark, who had been steadily building momentum within WWE’s women’s division after her promotion to the main roster.

Stark’s Response to Fans

After the injury, Stark took to social media to express her disappointment and gratitude to fans. The emotional message revealed her frustration at being unable to perform while acknowledging the support she’s received during this difficult time. For many WWE fans, Stark’s positive attitude despite the setback demonstrates the resilience that has defined her career thus far.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Stark, who previously suffered a knee injury in 2021 that also required surgery. As noted by Fightful Select, “It’s not her first one, so she’s very familiar with the rehab process.” Despite the familiarity, requiring a second major knee operation in her relatively young WWE career presents both physical and professional challenges for the talented performer.

Stark’s WWE Journey

Zoey Stark joined WWE in early 2021, making her debut in the NXT Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Her rise in the company was impressive, quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor in the women’s division. Her partnership with Io Shirai proved particularly successful, culminating in the duo capturing the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship, marking Stark’s first title win in the company.

After being promoted to the main roster in 2023, Stark’s career reached new heights when she formed an alliance with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. This partnership gave Stark unprecedented visibility, particularly during Stratus’s high-profile feud with Becky Lynch. For many wrestling observers, this association with Stratus signaled WWE’s confidence in Stark as a potential future standard-bearer for the women’s division, making the current injury setback all the more significant for her career trajectory.

Future Prospects

While the current prognosis keeps Stark out of action through WrestleMania 42, her demonstrated in-ring ability and previous successful recovery suggest she remains a valuable asset for WWE’s future plans. At 32 years old, Stark has time to rehabilitate and return to competition, though consecutive knee surgeries present legitimate concerns about long-term durability in the physically demanding world of professional wrestling.

WWE has not officially announced a timeline for Stark’s return, but reports indicate the company is taking a conservative approach to her recovery. For fans of the talented performer, the hope remains that this setback will indeed lead to the comeback Stark referenced in her message to supporters, potentially setting the stage for an inspiring return story when she eventually makes her way back to WWE programming.