As Zoey Stark faces knee surgery, her absence from WrestleMania 42 raises questions about her promising WWE career.
At a Glance
- Zoey Stark suffered a knee injury on May 19, 2025, during WWE Raw.
- The injury, sustained during a missile dropkick, required surgery.
- Stark’s recovery will sideline her beyond WrestleMania 42 in 2026.
- Despite past injuries, she remains a formidable presence in WWE.
A Difficult Setback
Zoey Stark, a rising star in the WWE arena, encountered a significant setback when she suffered a knee injury on May 19, 2025, during an episode of WWE Raw. The injury occurred during a missile dropkick in a high-stakes Money in the Bank qualifying match. Stark was immediately tended to by medical personnel, ultimately leading to her removal from the match’s lineup. This injury was particularly devastating as it came amidst her ascent in professional wrestling.
Stark’s injury necessitated knee surgery, confirmed as essential for her recovery by unverified reports indicating a possible tear. WWE shared expectations that Stark would miss the remainder of the year, extending her absence past the highly anticipated WrestleMania 42 in 2026. This would mark the second time in her career that a knee injury impacted her trajectory, as she had previously experienced a similar situation requiring surgery back in late 2021.
Rising Career Interrupted
Stark joined WWE in 2021, quickly making a name for herself in the NXT brand. Her impressive performance led to success alongside Io Shirai, securing the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. Her talent and drive later earned her a promotion to WWE’s main roster, debuting on Raw in 2023. Alongside WWE legend Trish Stratus, Stark forged a strategic alliance that underpinned her growing influence in the wrestling world.
“Wow the love and support means more to me than you’ll ever know! What hurts more than my knee is knowing I wont be able to perform for all of you for a while. I LOVE what I do and I’m blessed to do this. As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback. Love you guys.” – Zoey Stark.
Stark’s alliance with Stratus was pivotal during Stratus’s feud with Becky Lynch, further cementing Stark’s position as a formidable competitor. Her sustained enthusiasm and potential herald a promising future in WWE, despite these temporary hurdles.
Looking Ahead
As Stark focuses on recovery, anticipation builds around her return. Stark remains determined, knowing the rehabilitation process from past experience. While it may take time, fans eagerly await her return to the ring. The wrestling community continues to rally around Stark, offering support and admiration for her resilience and determination. Her upcoming return is likely to be met with both excitement and high expectations.
“It’s not her first one, so she’s very familiar with the rehab process.” – Fightful Select.
Zoey Stark, despite her setbacks, carries an unwavering spirit. As she dedicates herself to recovery, the wrestling realm remains hopeful for her triumphant comeback.
