Current WWE champion reveals why she joined WWE despite receiving better offer from rivals AEW
The 32-year-old star is thriving in WWE, winning the NXT Women's Title and NXT Women's North American Title just months after her debut.
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Stephanie Vaquer was already one of the biggest names in women’s wrestling before joining WWE. Since signing with the Stamford-based company, her reputation and success have only grown. The WWE Universe was thrilled to see her debut and is glad she chose WWE. However, that wasn’t always a sure thing—Vaquer revealed that AEW was also interested in signing her.
While speaking on Rock and Pop FM, Stephanie Vaquer explained why she chose WWE despite receiving a better offer from AEW. She admitted that when WWE couldn’t match AEW’s offer, she was heartbroken and cried a lot. However, joining WWE had always been her dream. At the end, she realized that performing in WWE was more important than anything.
Speaking about her WWE run, the journey of Vaquer winning both titles have been exciting to say the least. At NXT: New Year’s Evil, she became the number one contender for the NXT Women’s North American Title by winning a Fatal 4 Way match. After a month, The Dark Angel defeated Fallon Henley at NXT: Vengeance Day to become the new NXT Women’s North American Champion.
She said she told WWE what AEW was offering in terms of money, and they said “we can’t match that, good luck in AEW.” So says she was crying even though she was gonna make more money because WWE was her dream.
— Sbubbs (@TheSbubbs) April 12, 2025
And with that she realized she cared more about going to WWE.
Not only that, but she also defeated her archrival Giulia and became the first female double champion in NXT history at NXT: Roadblock. However, a few weeks ago she relinquished the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Vaquer will defend her NXT Women’s Title in a Fatal 4 Way match at NXT Stand & Deliver against Jaida Parker, Jordynne Grace, and Giulia.
The 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble was pretty special for Stephanie Vaquer
Earlier this year at the Royal Rumble PLE, Vaquer made her debut in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Although she lasted just under 20 minutes and was eliminated by Nia Jax, the NXT Women’s Champion delivered an impressive performance. Vaquer later reflected on her showing during a podcast appearance.
During an appearance on O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s No Contest Wrestling podcast, the 32-year-old star said that it was one of the greatest experiences of her career. She also admitted that the Royal Rumble was her favorite show growing up. Vaquer shared that she was overjoyed when Shawn Michaels told her she’d be part of the match.
It was a really big experience in my life and career. When I was a child, the Royal Rumble was my favorite show. When Shawn Michaels texted me to say I was in the Royal Rumble, ‘Oh my God.’ An amazing experience. I will tattoo my number. For sure.
Stephanie Vaquer on No Contest Wrestling
The 32-year-old star shared that she wants to tattoo her Royal Rumble entrance number as a lasting memory. Although she didn’t win this year, many fans believe she could be a top contender next year. Some even see her as a future main roster superstar. For now, Vaquer’s focus is on defending her NXT Women’s Title at NXT Stand & Deliver.
Stephanie Vaquer is backing CM Punk to win the Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 41
The Triple Threat match between CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns has not only excited fans but also WWE Superstars. It’s one of the biggest matches in WWE history and will main event Night 1 of WrestleMania 41. Vaquer shared her thoughts on the match in a recent interview.
In the same interview, the NXT Women’s Champion revealed that she’s supporting The Best in the World. Vaquer said she likes Punk a lot because of his helpful nature. She added that Punk often jokes around with other Superstars and is always ready to give good advice when needed.
I say this because I like him a lot, he’s a person always willing to help, he’s always joking around, always helping me and giving me good advice.
Stephanie Vaquer on CM Punk via the Rock N Pop podcast
Stephanie Vaquer talked with @rockandpop and said she’s rooting for CM Punk in his triple threat match at WrestleMania ❤️:
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) April 13, 2025
“I say this because I like him a lot, he’s a person always willing to help, he’s always joking around, always helping me and giving me good advice.” pic.twitter.com/Zcox8b7uzL
Since his return at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023, Punk has been on his best behavior. He made peace with Triple H and has been attending NXT shows to support and guide young talent. NXT stars Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez even call him their “wrestling father,” as they’ve learned a lot from him. With Vaquer now backing The Second City Saint, Punk will have even more motivation—unless Paul Heyman has something sneaky planned.
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