Stephanie Vaquer Faces Extended WWE Absence Following Backstage Attack
Lisbon, Portugal – Stephanie Vaquer, the former WWE Women’s World Champion, is facing a prolonged period on the sidelines due to an injury sustained in a backstage attack on the April 27th episode of Monday Night Raw. While a precise return date remains uncertain, initial reports suggest she could potentially be back in time for SummerSlam in August, though this is not guaranteed. The injury occurred during an angle involving Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, and has been confirmed as a legitimate second-degree AC sprain.
The incident, which unfolded behind the scenes, saw Roxanne Perez ramming an equipment box into Vaquer’s shoulder, as announced by commentator Michael Cole during the broadcast. This attack followed Vaquer’s recent defeat to Liv Morgan at WrestleMania 42, where she lost her Women’s World Championship. The timing of the attack has led to speculation that it was designed to write Vaquer off television while she recovers, allowing for a storyline-driven explanation for her absence. Yahoo Sports reported that the angle was indeed a write-off, confirming the injury’s legitimacy.
Details of the Injury and Initial Assessments
WWE officially announced that Vaquer is suffering from a second-degree AC sprain. A second-degree AC sprain typically involves a partial tear of the acromioclavicular ligament, which connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade. Recovery times can vary significantly depending on the severity of the tear and the individual’s response to rehabilitation. WrestlingNews.co details that a typical recovery for this type of injury can range from several weeks to a few months.
Reports from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select indicate that Vaquer is expected to be sidelined “for the foreseeable future,” with no widely known internal timetable for her return. Though, there is some optimism within WWE regarding a potential return for SummerSlam, which is scheduled to take place in August. Conflicting information has emerged, with some sources suggesting a minimum absence of six weeks, while others remain more hopeful for a quicker recovery. The six-week timeframe, however, is described as speculative.
WrestleMania 42 and the Lead-Up to the Injury
Vaquer’s injury comes after a challenging period for the wrestler. Her WrestleMania 42 debut saw her lose the WWE Women’s World Championship to Liv Morgan in a match that reportedly was kept shorter than initially planned. Reports suggest both Vaquer and Morgan were dealing with physical issues leading up to the event. Prior to WrestleMania, Vaquer had reportedly been working through an ankle injury, wrestling only one match per month. It remains unclear whether the current shoulder injury is related to the previous ankle problem or a separate issue.
The attack on Raw, perpetrated by Morgan and Rodriguez, was a direct continuation of the storyline following the WrestleMania match. This angle served to remove Vaquer from active competition while allowing the narrative to progress. The use of a backstage attack as a means to explain an athlete’s absence is a common practice in professional wrestling, allowing for creative storytelling while addressing real-life injuries.
Impact on the WWE Women’s Division
Vaquer’s absence will undoubtedly impact the WWE Women’s division. As a former champion, her presence adds a significant dynamic to the roster. Her departure leaves a void in the title picture and alters the competitive landscape. Liv Morgan, currently holding the Women’s World Championship, will now navigate a different set of challenges as she defends her title against other contenders. The injury also affects potential storylines and opportunities for other female wrestlers to step up and showcase their abilities.
The WWE has not yet announced any specific plans to address Vaquer’s absence on television. However, It’s likely that the storyline involving Morgan and Rodriguez will continue to develop, potentially leading to recent rivalries and championship opportunities. The company will also need to find ways to keep fans engaged and invested in the Women’s division during Vaquer’s recovery period.
Previous Injury Concerns and Vaquer’s Career
This is not the first time Vaquer has faced injury concerns during her WWE career. As mentioned previously, she was reportedly dealing with an ankle injury prior to WrestleMania 42, which limited her in-ring appearances. Despite this, she continued to compete, demonstrating her dedication to the sport. Vaquer signed with WWE in 2024 and quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the Women’s World Championship and establishing herself as a prominent figure in the Women’s division.
Her athleticism and charisma have made her a popular performer among fans. The injury is a setback for Vaquer, but she is expected to make a full recovery and return to the ring when she is medically cleared. The WWE has a history of supporting its athletes through injury rehabilitation, and it is likely that Vaquer will receive the necessary resources and care to ensure a successful recovery.
Terrible news for fans of Stephanie Vaquer. WrestleVotes on Fightful Select is reporting that ‘La Primera’ is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to injury. While there is no timetable for a return at this time, there is optimism that Vaquer could be back in time for SummerSlam in August. https://t.co/Y4hgYQuv0C
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) April 30, 2026
The situation surrounding Stephanie Vaquer’s injury remains fluid. WWE is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. Fans can stay tuned to official WWE channels for the latest news and developments. The next confirmed checkpoint will be any official statement released by WWE regarding Vaquer’s progress and potential return timeline.
We wish Stephanie Vaquer a speedy and full recovery. Share your thoughts on this developing story and your well wishes for Vaquer in the comments below.