Quick Read
- Roxanne Perez suffered a facial puncture wound during a SmackDown match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 30, 2026.
- Perez alleged on X that Charlotte Flair’s ring gear caused the injury, calling it a “weapon.”
- She was partnered with Liv Morgan against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss in the tag-team match.
- Despite the injury, Perez finished the match.
- Perez is still officially scheduled to compete in the women’s Royal Rumble match.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – Professional wrestler Roxanne Perez sustained a puncture wound to her face during a tag-team match on the January 30, 2026, edition of WWE’s SmackDown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following the incident, Perez publicly alleged that her opponent, Charlotte Flair, used her ring gear as a weapon, causing the injury. The unexpected development has drawn significant attention, particularly as Perez remains officially scheduled to compete in the highly anticipated women’s Royal Rumble match.
The incident occurred during a high-stakes tag-team contest where Perez, partnered with Liv Morgan, faced off against the formidable duo of Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Despite the injury, which was described as a puncture wound, Perez completed the match. The full extent of her injury has not been officially disclosed, but Perez herself took to social media platform X to voice her accusations and frustration.
SmackDown Incident Spurs Controversy
The match in Riyadh was a featured event on the weekly SmackDown broadcast, drawing a global audience. While details surrounding the specific moment of injury remain somewhat unclear, Perez’s immediate reaction has cast a spotlight on the physicality inherent in professional wrestling. Her post on X was direct and pointed, stating, “The referee should’ve disqualified Charlotte for using her gear as a weapon!!!! I was stabbed!!!” This strong accusation has ignited debate among fans and industry observers about the rules of engagement and the potential dangers within the squared circle.
WWE officials have yet to issue a public statement regarding Perez’s specific allegations against Charlotte Flair or the circumstances of the injury. Such incidents, whether accidental or intentionally integrated into storyline narratives, often add an unpredictable layer to ongoing rivalries and upcoming pay-per-view events. The lack of immediate clarification from the promotion leaves room for speculation regarding the nature of the alleged weapon and the referee’s decision to allow the match to continue.
Roxanne Perez’s Royal Rumble Status Undetermined
Despite the facial injury and her public outcry, Roxanne Perez is still officially listed to participate in the women’s Royal Rumble match. The Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s flagship events, is known for its high-stakes, over-the-top-rope elimination format, where 30 competitors vie for a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. Perez’s inclusion, given her recent injury, adds an element of uncertainty and drama to the event.
As of now, there has been no indication from WWE that Perez’s participation will be impacted. However, the severity of a facial puncture wound could potentially sideline a performer, depending on medical assessment. The situation is being closely monitored by fans and media, including SEScoops, which has indicated it will provide updates on her condition as they become available. Her ability to compete effectively, or even safely, in a physically demanding match like the Royal Rumble, will be a key storyline leading up to the event.
Implications for WWE and Fan Anticipation
The incident involving Roxanne Perez and her subsequent allegations against Charlotte Flair highlight the blurred lines between scripted entertainment and the very real physical risks professional wrestlers undertake. While often pre-determined, the athletic performances can lead to genuine injuries, and the narrative surrounding such events can significantly impact fan engagement. Perez’s vocal accusation on social media, rather than through official WWE channels, suggests a potential escalation of her rivalry with Flair, adding a compelling layer to their on-screen personas.
The controversy surrounding Roxanne Perez’s injury, coupled with her continued booking for the Royal Rumble, serves to heighten anticipation for the upcoming event, demonstrating how real-world incidents, or the perception of them, can be expertly woven into the fabric of professional wrestling narratives to drive audience interest and investment in its characters and storylines.