Stephanie Vaquer WWE title strip discussions have intensified after the Women’s World Champion was brutally attacked by Raquel Rodriguez on Monday Night RAW in Düsseldorf, Germany. Following repeated assaults and a worsening ankle injury, questions now loom over whether the company should strip her of the championship as major events approach.
Repeated Attacks Leave Vaquer Seriously Hurt
On Monday Night RAW in Düsseldorf, Stephanie Vaquer was again targeted by Raquel Rodriguez, echoing a similar attack that occurred on January 5, 2026. Rodriguez, known as Big Mami Cool, unleashed the same aggressive offense as before, focusing on Vaquer’s already compromised ankle and leaving her visibly incapacitated. With these consecutive assaults, the severity of Vaquer’s condition has escalated to a point where her future as champion has become uncertain.
Concerns Over Vaquer’s Legitimate Injury
The most pressing issue now is that Stephanie Vaquer is dealing with a genuine physical injury, not a scripted storyline. Her ankle was first injured during the triple-threat title match against Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez on the December 29, 2025 episode of RAW. Although she won the match and retained the title, she exited the ring unable to walk unaided, later appearing in a walking boot on the next week’s show. Fan speculation and multiple reports have confirmed that the injury is authentic and not just part of the on-screen drama.
Given these circumstances, many believe WWE should not expect Vaquer to compete while injured. Protecting her long-term health appears to be more important than maintaining her current title reign, prompting calls within the wrestling community—and reportedly inside the company as well—to have her relinquish the championship.
Doubt Cast on Upcoming Title Defenses
Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII is set for January 24, 2026, and Stephanie Vaquer is listed to defend her title against Raquel Rodriguez. However, with just ten days to recover, her ability to compete at this marquee event is now under serious doubt. Reports indicate that Vaquer is physically in no condition to wrestle, and those following the story are beginning to lose hope that she’ll recover in time.
The title is also expected to be defended at the much-anticipated Royal Rumble PLE on January 31, 2026, which will be held for the first time in Saudi Arabia. With both events rapidly approaching and her recovery uncertain, WWE faces mounting pressure to ensure the championship remains active and contested, rather than held by a sidelined champion.
Strategic Reasons to Strip the Title Before WrestleMania
Stripping Vaquer of the WWE Women’s World Championship now could not only safeguard her health, but also set the stage for a narrative payoff at WrestleMania 42. Vaquer initially claimed the title at Wrestlepalooza PLE on September 20, 2025, after defeating IYO SKY. However, many fans feel the Chilean superstar deserves her crowning moment at WWE’s biggest annual event.
By allowing Raquel Rodriguez to hold the championship temporarily, WWE could build towards an emotional comeback for Vaquer at WrestleMania 42, where she could reclaim her title from Rodriguez in dramatic fashion. This scenario would afford Vaquer the crucial time she needs to properly heal, while also giving Rodriguez a prominent title run leading up to WWE’s marquee show.
What This Means for the Women’s Division
The forced absence of Stephanie Vaquer, known as the Dark Angel and La Primera, would disrupt the momentum she built as champion since Wrestlepalooza PLE. It throws major match bookings—like those in Düsseldorf, Saudi Arabia, and WrestleMania—into uncertainty, and places Raquel Rodriguez and the future of the women’s championship at the center of WWE’s upcoming storylines. The company faces an emotional and difficult decision between prioritizing a wounded but top-tier champion or ensuring the division’s competitive integrity as major international events draw near.
Stephanie Vaquer attacked on her injured ankle back to back weeks 💔#WWERAW
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) January 12, 2026
