A new report from Fightful Select reveals that Naomi’s pregnancy announcement has resulted in “huge creative shifts” for WWE. The Women’s World Championship, which Naomi relinquished on the August 18 episode of RAW, is now vacant with no plans announced for its future.
According to the report, the backstage reaction in Philadelphia was overwhelmingly positive, with talent and staff happy for Naomi and Jimmy Uso. Naomi also revealed she learned of the pregnancy on August 10 after years of trying to conceive and is expected to be off television for several months.
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The announcement was made during the live broadcast of RAW from the Xfinity Mobile Arena. During the in-ring segment, which also featured her husband Jimmy Uso, Naomi fully embraced her heel persona. She refused to hand her custom championship belt to Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, stating she wasn’t “relinquishing s*ht.” She then laid the title in the center of the ring as the Philadelphia crowd chanted “Baby Uso.” Naomi concluded by vowing to return in roughly nine months, issuing a warning to whoever holds the title then: “Proceed with caution.”
This moment was preceded by her being declared medically unfit to compete on August 11, which led to the cancellation of a scheduled title defense against IYO SKY. The on-air announcement confirmed her medical status and provided the reason for her upcoming absence.
Naomi’s title reign lasted 35 days. She captured the championship in July at Evolution, successfully cashing in her Money in the Bank contract during the match between IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. Her recent career momentum followed a rivalry with Jade Cargill, which led to a significant heel turn that solidified her position in the main event scene.
With the Women’s World Championship now vacant, the situation creates new possibilities for top contenders such as Stephanie Vaquer, who was already positioned for a future title shot, as well as Bayley, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY.
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