Timeline Revealed for Stephanie Vaquer’s Next Title Defense After Ankle Injury

Stephanie Vaquer’s ankle injury may have slowed things down—but her title defense against Raquel Rodriguez is still on the books, and it’s coming soon.

According to Dave Meltzer in the January 9, 2026 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has already scheduled the Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez title match for the next few weeks, and it will take place before the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2026.

“The Vaquer vs. Rodriguez title match is scheduled for sometime in the next few weeks. I don’t know if it’s Raw or the Saturday Night’s Main Event, but it’s to take place before the Rumble at this point,” Meltzer reported.

This follows days of speculation after the brutal steel chair attack on Vaquer’s ankle during the January 5 episode of RAW. While Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that the injury is legitimate, PWInsider has noted that WWE did not expect Vaquer to vacate her championship. Encouragingly, Vaquer appeared in a walking boot—not a cast—and even took part in limited physicality on RAW, which Sapp described as a positive sign.

“Her being in a walking boot instead of a cast, and doing some physicality, is at least optimistic… you can probably buy yourself till Chamber, considering that the Royal Rumble is coming up soon.”

Vaquer has held the Women’s World Championship since defeating IYO SKY at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025, and this update suggests her reign is still safe for now—with a big match against Raquel Rodriguez now just weeks away.

Are you still hoping Stephanie Vaquer keeps the title going into the Royal Rumble? Or is Raquel Rodriguez primed to take it before then? Drop your predictions in the comments and join the debate.