How the Women’s World Champion Injury Could Affect WWE Plans Going Forward?
On the August 11th episode of Monday Night Raw, Naomi was set to face former champion ‘The Genius of the Sky,’ Iyo Sky, in the main event. The winner of the match was set to advance to the Clash in Paris premium live event to face ‘La Primera’ Stephanie Vaquer. Reports have emerged on Naomi’s cancelled match and WWE declaring Naomi “not medically cleared to compete” with questions arising whether she will be able to defend the title at the show. The sudden development has sparked widespread speculation and concern across the wrestling community. Now, WWE officials will have to pivot off Naomi’s injury weeks after a victory at Money in the Bank, winning the briefcase and cashing in on the same night against Rhea Ripley.
Naomi's win at Money in the Bank marked a major comeback story, reaffirming her status as a cornerstone of the WWE women’s division. However, with her current medical status uncertain, fans are left questioning the future of the championship. This development would alter WWE’s booking plans. Naomi is currently scheduled to face Stephanie Vaquer and is forcing the company to reconsider its storyline direction headline for Clash in Paris. With her status uncertain, WWE may be forced to vacate her title and pivot to a new storyline, with a potential storyline featuring Vaquer vs Sky battling for the championship. However, a potential battle between the two will lose its momentum due to Naomi’s injury.
Another option for WWE’s creative team is pivoting a storyline directing between Sky vs Vaquer. This approach would allow both contenders to shine in the spotlight, maintaining momentum in the women’s division while Naomi recovers. If the WWE views Vaquer as a rising star with crossover appeal, she could briefly enter the Intercontinental Championship picture, potentially facing off against Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella. The potential scenario would showcase Vaquer's agility skills, subtly keeping the Paris storyline alive in spite of Naomi’s absence.
Naomi’s unexpected medical setback has cast uncertainty against WWE’s creative team for the Women’s Championship and the highly anticipated Clash at Paris event. While WWE may pivot toward a rivalry between Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer, or explore Vaquer’s potential in the Intercontinental Championship scene, Naomi’s recovery is central to the division’s future. As a heel, Naomi’s charisma and athleticism have made her a fan favorite and a vital part of the women’s division. As fans await further updates, WWE faces the challenge of maintaining momentum in the women’s division and delivering compelling narratives in the wake of one of its top stars being sidelined.
