Stephanie Vaquer’s recent month-long absence from WWE television programming has sparked confusion fueled by conflicting reports regarding her health and status ahead of her highly anticipated WWE Women’s World Championship match at Wrestlepalooza 2025. While some insider sources have suggested she is sidelined with a minor injury, Vaquer herself has publicly denied these rumors, confirming she is fully ready to return to action.
The Initial Concern: Missing Contract Signing on Raw
Vaquer, the Chilean star and number-one contender for the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship, was scheduled to sign a contract with IYO SKY on the September 8 episode of Monday Night Raw. This segment was meant to formally set up their title match at Wrestlepalooza, taking place September 20 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. However, Vaquer’s absence forced WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce to cancel the signing live on air. He mentioned something was “up” with Vaquer but reassured fans there was no indication her title shot would be affected[1][3].
Wrestling Observer Radio: Minor Injury Reported
Following the mysterious no-show, confusion mounted about the reason for Vaquer’s absence. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer reported that WWE informed him Vaquer was dealing with a minor injury which led the company to pull her from the Raw broadcast as a precaution. He emphasized that this injury was not serious enough to cause long-term issues and that Vaquer was expected to continue wrestling almost immediately, particularly for her upcoming Wrestlepalooza match. Meltzer also noted that WWE’s internal clarity on the matter seemed murky early in the week but improved with time[1][3].
Vaquer’s Own Words: Denying Injury and Confirming Return
Contrary to these reports, Stephanie Vaquer spoke out directly to address the swirling rumors. In an interview with wrestling journalist Adrian Hernandez, she forcefully denied having any injury. Vaquer stated, “No, I saw social media. Sometimes, many things are not real. There’s no injuries. I’m ready for Raw next Monday.” She reaffirmed her readiness to return to WWE Raw and compete at Wrestlepalooza[2][4][5].
This statement was seen as a direct pushback against the mixed messages coming from reports like Meltzer’s, with Vaquer making it clear she feels physically prepared to perform and dismissed any injury concerns as false speculation.
WWE Programming: Reappearance on NXT
Adding to the intrigue, after missing Raw, Vaquer made an unannounced appearance on NXT the following night (September 9), where she teamed with Tiffany Stratton and Rhea Ripley against Fatal Influence at the upcoming NXT Homecoming event. Her involvement in a high-profile NXT six-woman tag match suggests that WWE views her as fit for action, reinforcing Vaquer’s comments denying injury[1][3][4].
Behind the Scenes: Sources Weigh In
According to a WWE insider speaking under condition of anonymity, “Stephanie was briefly dealing with some minor soreness, which WWE treated with caution given their busy schedule and the physical demands on talent. However, she’s cleared now and fully expected to be at 100% for Wrestlepalooza.”
This backstage perspective highlights WWE’s approach to injury prevention and the sometimes cautious public communication when talent miss appearances. It also aligns with the reporting that there was minor uncertainty internally before Vaquer’s reappearance on NXT and assurances that she will compete at the premium live event[1][3].
What This Means for WWE Fans and Wrestlepalooza
Stephanie Vaquer’s scheduled match against IYO SKY for the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship remains intact and one of the most anticipated matches on the Wrestlepalooza 2025 card. The mixed narratives around her absence were largely clarified by her own denial of injury and her continued active presence on WWE programming.
For fans, this saga serves as a reminder of the complex realities behind the scenes in professional wrestling, where minor injuries, storyline logistics, and travel factors can all impact appearances and spark speculation.
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Final Thoughts
The conflicting reports on Stephanie Vaquer’s recent WWE absence were likely the product of WWE’s typical caution surrounding even minor health concerns, combined with Vaquer’s swift public denial and proactive return on NXT. As the countdown to Wrestlepalooza continues, both Vaquer and WWE appear committed to delivering a major title match free from physical setbacks.
Wrestling insiders suggest to stay tuned for updates but affirm Vaquer’s readiness to bring her A-game at the September 20 event, making her absence a minor bump rather than a major roadblock in her WWE career trajectory.