WWE superstar Raquel Rodriguez made her return to the ring on Monday Night Raw this week, following a rare health diagnosis. The 32-year-old had been absent from WWE programming since an untelevised match against Nia Jax on December 3.
Last month, the former Women's Tag Team Champion revealed she had been diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome, an immune disorder described by the BMJ as a 'rare condition characterised by recurrent sudden-onset episodes of severe systemic symptoms'. The condition can affect the digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, as well as causing skin symptoms such as flushing, hives, and itching.
Rodriguez returned as a surprise entrant in the Last Chance Battle Royal on Monday night, which she won to earn a spot in the Elimination Chamber match at the upcoming premium live event in Perth. She eliminated Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark, and then thwarted Chelsea Green's attempt to sneak back into the ring by sending her over the top rope.
The winner of the Elimination Chamber match will go on to WrestleMania 40 to face the Women's World Champion, either reigning champion Rhea Ripley or challenger Nia Jax.
In an emotional social media post last month, Rodriguez reflected on her health battle, explaining that her eczema 'got progressively worse' in December before her diagnosis. She said she was 'red, swollen', and that the condition kept her from travelling, going to the gym, and wrestling. She expressed gratitude for the support of her family and fans.
