Follow on Google News Stephanie Vaquer remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and WWE has no plans for her to vacate the Women’s World Championship, a situation that continues to shape the company’s short-term direction. With Vaquer still off the mat, attention has shifted to how WWE balances her recovery while keeping the title picture active and meaningful.
The champion has been wearing a walking boot for weeks, a detail that has not gone unnoticed on television. On tonight’s RAW in Belfast, Raquel Rodriguez addressed Vaquer’s status during a backstage segment and made it clear she is still waiting for her long-promised title opportunity.
Rodriguez, however, has not taken a patient approach. Over the past few weeks, she has repeatedly targeted Vaquer, focusing on the injured ankle and even damaging the championship belt. Each attack has added another layer of tension to an already heated rivalry.
All of this traces back to December 29, when Vaquer successfully defended the Women’s World Championship in a Triple Threat match against Rodriguez and Nikki Bella. The win barely had time to sink in before Rodriguez immediately turned her attention back to the champion.
Since then, the intensity has only increased. One attack took place during Vaquer’s entrance on RAW in Düsseldorf, Germany. Another unfolded backstage, leaving the title belt visibly damaged and reinforcing Rodriguez’s fixation on both the championship and Vaquer’s injury.
Behind the scenes, WWE has taken a cautious approach with Vaquer. She has been cleared for limited physical involvement, but not full matches. That restriction has allowed WWE to keep her presence on television without risking further harm.
WWE’s Plans for Vaquer’s Next Title Defense
According to Fightful Select, WWE creative is already outlining plans for Vaquer’s next championship defense, and the expectation is that it will happen sooner rather than later. Despite the injury, there has been no internal discussion about stripping her of the title.
Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that there is no plan for Vaquer to lose the championship. While the injury is legitimate, sources backstage have described it as minor. Dave Meltzer echoed that assessment in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, noting that it is real but not serious.
The original idea was for Vaquer and Rodriguez to meet in a title match before January 26. While that timetable may have shifted slightly, the match itself remains the clear creative direction.
WWE has also leaned heavily into the injury as part of the story. Rodriguez’s leg attacks and the destruction of the championship belt are all designed to build toward the eventual showdown, giving the feud a clear and focused narrative.
Current expectations point to a title defense before the Royal Rumble on January 31. Unless there is a medical setback, Vaquer is expected to be cleared in time to face Rodriguez and resolve the rivalry in the ring.
For now, the championship stays with Vaquer. The feud continues to intensify. And the payoff appears to be approaching quickly.
What do you think about how WWE is handling Stephanie Vaquer’s injury and title reign? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep following The Wrestling Reports so you do not miss any updates.