Stephanie Vaquer’s absence from WWE programming has been clarified by Triple H, revealing health issues as the main cause. After joining WWE in July 2024, Vaquer achieved a significant milestone at Wrestlepalooza by defeating Iyo Sky to become the Women’s World Champion, marking her third title triumph since her NXT debut.
This important victory came after a fierce, back-and-forth contest, where Vaquer escaped a near Over The Moonsault from Sky and responded with a Spiral Moonsault of her own to secure the championship. Her rise within WWE has been rapid, but the path to this success was far from smooth.
Impact of Naomi’s Pregnancy on Vaquer’s Title Path
Originally, Vaquer was set to face Naomi for the Women’s World Championship at Clash In Paris, following her win at Evolution. However, those plans were disrupted when Naomi announced her pregnancy, forcing WWE to alter its event line-up. Consequently, the match against Iyo Sky was arranged for Wrestlepalooza instead.
Despite this rescheduling, Vaquer’s journey encountered additional obstacles. She missed the September 8 episode of Raw, where she was scheduled for a contract signing, fueling rumors about a possible injury. Vaquer quickly disputed those claims, but the absence raised questions among fans and WWE insiders.
Triple H On The Illness Behind Stephanie Vaquer’s Missed Appearances
Triple H shared insight into the situation, explaining that Vaquer had been seriously ill with flu-like symptoms in the weeks preceding her absence. He revealed that although he did not know every detail of her condition, it had a major impact on her ability to appear on television and delayed the usual buildup to her championship match.
“I’ll let everybody in on a behind-the-scenes secret with Stephanie. In the last few weeks, Stephanie has been very sick. I don’t know all the details of what the flu-type thing going on, but she was very sick. It’s why she missed TV and why there was an odd build to it. She was able to feel well enough and get cleared medically to compete tonight.” – Triple H
Despite these health challenges, Vaquer recovered sufficiently to be medically cleared and compete at Wrestlepalooza, where she delivered a defining performance to claim the Women’s World Championship.
Additional Highlights From Wrestlepalooza Event
Wrestlepalooza featured intense moments beyond Vaquer’s win. Brock Lesnar decisively defeated John Cena in under ten minutes, spurred by a surprising reunion with Paul Heyman. This replayed a dynamic that fans have eagerly anticipated for years.
AJ Lee marked a triumphant return to the ring, teaming with CM Punk to overcome their opponents Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. Meanwhile, the event’s main attraction saw Cody Rhodes defend the Undisputed WWE Championship successfully against Drew McIntyre, maintaining his reign amid fierce competition.
Context and What It Means for Stephanie Vaquer’s WWE Future
The explanation provided by Triple H sheds light on the tension and urgency surrounding Stephanie Vaquer’s WWE absence, clarifying rumors and illustrating the difficulty she faced before capturing the title. Her championship win at Wrestlepalooza not only signifies a personal comeback from illness but also strengthens her position in WWE’s women’s division going forward.
Going ahead, WWE will likely focus on building Vaquer’s momentum, capitalizing on her resilience and impressive in-ring skills to elevate storylines and rivalries. The adjustment in scheduling due to Naomi’s pregnancy also highlights the unpredictable challenges WWE faces in managing championship narratives.
