What happened to Raquel Rodriguez? Reason for absence from WWE television disclosed

Raquel Rodriguez has been off TV since February, but the WWE star is nearing a return. She was in the women's world title picture before taking an extended break.

Raquel Rodriguez was pulled from the active roster in March after being diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome. This is a condition where patients experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as hives and difficulty breathing.

Rodriguez confirmed her diagnosis in January with an update for fans about the first of her two absences from the Stamford-based company. She explained how she was 'red and swollen' and how she didn't want to be on camera.

The Texan took a two-month break before returning in February. She later competed in an Elimination Chamber match for a shot at the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania XL. Bianca Belair eliminated her in that match, and she took another hiatus from which she's yet to return.

However, PWInsider reports that there has been 'internal talk' regarding Rodriguez's return in the near future. She was a popular babyface with fans before her condition unfortunately halted her from appearing on TV this year.

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Which WWE brand will Raquel Rodriguez be on amid rumors of return?

Raquel Rodriguez has yet to be a heel since arriving on the main roster, unlike in NXT, where she was a villain for four years. Her best work arguably came as a heel, and she could return to her evil ways.

The former NXT Women's Champion alluded to her flexibility with regard to character work after arriving on the main roster in April 2022. She said:

"I wanted to be a chameleon and I wanted to show them that I am a chameleon, I can do multiple things, I have multiple talents, and I have different things in my back pocket that not everyone has seen yet. Now’s the chance to present that because they know what I can do as a heel. That’s what I was in NXT. They know what I can do as a serious person. I think this was my opportunity to show them the contrary of that and show them that I can do this as well." [H/T PWMania].

Raquel Rodriguez wasn't included in the 2024 WWE Draft, which took place in April. She was a WWE RAW star before the event took place, and it's anyone's guess whether she'll remain on the red brand.

Rodriguez had challenged Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship several times before going on a hiatus. She failed to beat The Nightmare and might be eager to prove she can get the better of 'Mami' once she returns.

Women's World Champion Liv Morgan currently fronts the WWE RAW women's division. She's feuding with former champion Ripley, and the pair will lock horns at WWE SummerSlam next Saturday (August 3).