Add as a preferred source on Google According to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, WWE reportedly held off on Stephanie Vaquer’s return to Monday Night RAW even after she was medically cleared.
Vaquer had reportedly been ready to return for some time, but WWE waited for what it considered the right point in the storyline so as not to waste the moment. There has been no public confirmation of when she received clearance.
The plan was also reportedly not finalized until SummerSlam weekend. The former champion did not appear at the premium live event, had her travel to Des Moines, Iowa booked last-minute, and stayed out of sight after arriving at the venue.
However, she returned on the August 3 episode of RAW. After the match between Roxanne Perez and Sol Ruca, Becky Lynch reappeared and challenged Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship. Vaquer then attacked Raquel Rodriguez and Perez before coming face-to-face with Lynch.
The Chilean star had been off WWE TV since April 27, when Judgment Day attacked her backstage. During the angle, Roxanne Perez shoved an equipment crate into her shoulder, while Michael Cole revealed on commentary that Vaquer had suffered a Grade 2 sprain of the acromioclavicular joint.
Before her absence, Vaquer had lost the title to Morgan at WrestleMania 42 following interference from Rodriguez and Perez. At SummerSlam, the champion once again got help from the two Judgment Day members to retain against IYO SKY.
The segment positioned Vaquer and Lynch as possible challengers for Morgan while also reigniting the rivalry that had been put on hold due to the injury.