With the WWE Royal Rumble less than three weeks away, the promotion is confronting a significant injury problem affecting several key wrestlers. Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Sheamus, Dominik Mysterio, Zoey Stark, Michin, Elton Prince, and Piper Niven are all sidelined due to various injuries, raising concerns about their availability for upcoming events. This situation threatens to impact the build-up for the January 31st Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as WWE navigates its roster challenges.
Current Injuries and Their Effect on WWE Programming
Stephanie Vaquer, the current Women’s World Champion, has also recently been added to the injury list despite her ongoing appearances on WWE RAW. She is engaged in a high-profile rivalry with Raquel Rodriguez, who aggressively targeted Vaquer on the latest episode of RAW. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer reported that Vaquer and Rodriguez were
“supposed to have a match in a week or two.”
This development suggests their showdown could occur at the Royal Rumble event, though Vaquer’s injury is minor and she is expected to recover swiftly.
Vaquer has held the Women’s World Championship since WrestlePalooza in September 2025, when she claimed the vacant title by defeating Iyo Sky. Since then, she has successfully defended the championship against contenders such as Raquel Rodriguez and Nikki Bella, including a notable victory over Bella at Survivor Series. Having established herself as a top figure since debuting on the main roster in May 2025, Vaquer is anticipated to face either Becky Lynch or Rhea Ripley for the championship at WrestleMania 42.
Concerns Over Vaquer and Rodriguez’s Prolonged Feud
There is growing sentiment within WWE that the lengthy title feud between Stephanie Vaquer and Raquel Rodriguez has plateaued, with some insiders urging the promotion to move beyond this rivalry. Liv Morgan has been highlighted as a promising contender for Vaquer, particularly following her dynamic return at Survivor Series. While plans for a future feud between Vaquer and Morgan reportedly exist, WWE appears to be pacing this storyline cautiously.
Despite Vaquer’s strength as champion, her momentum has notably dipped since her title win, with the extended conflict against Rodriguez contributing to audience disengagement. Similarly, Vaquer’s previous confrontation with Nikki Bella has run its course. Critics argue that prolonging Vaquer’s rivalries without introducing fresh challengers risks diminishing the fanbase’s interest in her championship reign.
Potential Storylines to Revitalize Interest Ahead of WrestleMania
Using Liv Morgan as a new challenger for Vaquer could reinvigorate the Women’s World Championship scene. If Morgan is booked strongly in a bid against Vaquer, it offers an opportunity to deepen storylines, especially if her challenge sparks internal conflict within Judgment Day. Rodriguez might oppose Morgan’s rise, possibly causing a fallout within the faction by either deliberately or accidentally costing Morgan the title, which would add dramatic twists leading into WrestleMania.
The ongoing injury situation among WWE’s top performers complicates these plans but also emphasizes the importance of shifting focus to fresh rivalries and compelling narratives. How WWE manages these injuries and storyline transitions will significantly influence the fans’ engagement through the Royal Rumble and into WrestleMania, potentially reshaping the promotion’s trajectory during this crucial period.
