Stephanie Vaquer Teases Rhea Ripley and Naomi as Future World Title Challengers

After beating Iyo Sky to win the gold at Wrestlepalooza, Stephanie Vaquer already has names like Rhea Ripley and Naomi in mind for the future.

Stephanie Vaquer Teases Rhea Ripley and Naomi as Future World Title Challengers

Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley and Naomi (via WWE)

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The Women’s World Championship was vacated after Naomi announced her pregnancy and relinquished the title. Stephanie Vaquer had already earned a title opportunity, and Iyo Sky was chosen as her opponent for the big match at Wrestlepalooza, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Vaquer sealed the victory by hitting the Spiral Tap, earning the pinfall and her first major championship on WWE’s main roster. This win is a milestone for the Chile-born star, who has now captured the NXT North American Title, the NXT Women’s Championship, and the Women’s World Title all within a single year.

‘La Primera’ is seen as the future of the division, and her reign promises no shortage of challengers once she begins her title defenses. Speaking on the Wrestlepalooza recap show, Vaquer revealed that she already has potential rivals in mind, including Rhea Ripley and Naomi, once she makes her return.

I need to start by saying, I really want a match with Naomi. I’m so happy she’s pregnant, good news, I’ll wait for Naomi. And now, of course, I want to defend this against everyone.

Stephanie Vaquer via Wrestlepalooza recap show

However, she cited Ripley as her dream opponent. Moreover, the Aussie ace already pitched facing Vaquer in the future ahead of WWE’s debut PLE on ESPN. 

And when I say everyone… my dream is a big match with Rhea. That would be amazing. I like big challenges and I’m brave. So I’m here, I (want to) defend my championship against everyone.

Stephanie Vaquer via Wrestlepalooza recap show

Recently, Ripley and Vaquer joined forces with Lyra Valkyria to take on the villainous trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx. The highlight of the match came when Ripley and Vaquer hit The Devil’s Kiss together, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Still, while fans enjoyed seeing them as allies, the reaction could be very different when these two top stars eventually collide.

Stephanie Vaquer reveals her health battles ahead of Wrestlepalooza PLE

Wrestlepalooza turned out to be a huge night for superstars named ‘Stephanie’. While ‘La Primera’ captured the Women’s World Championship, Stephanie McMahon’s legacy was cemented as she was announced as the first inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. The two even shared a heartwarming exchange on X, congratulating each other on their achievements.

Stephanie Vaquer at Wrestlepalooza
Stephanie Vaquer at Wrestlepalooza (via WWE)

For Vaquer, however, the road to Wrestlepalooza wasn’t smooth. By her own admission, she did not enter the event at her physical best. Speaking to The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, she revealed that her strength and conditioning had taken a hit in the weeks leading up to the biggest match of her career.

To be honest, the last three weeks I was no good. I was sick. My body [does] not feel like a hundred percent. I feel a little weak. I could not train really good the last month, but when I [was] back last Monday, I really feel the people and I really feel everything and really forget everything about that.

Stephanie Vaquer via Sports Illustrated

Despite those struggles, her bond with the WWE Universe never wavered. She traveled from Springfield to Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, to appear at NXT Homecoming, where she competed in the aforementioned Six-Woman Tag Team match the very next night. 

Then, on Saturday, live on ESPN and with her father in attendance to watch her wrestle live for the first time, she achieved her dream of becoming a World Champion. Triple H also revealed that Vaquer had been battling an illness in the weeks leading up to Wrestlepalooza, which caused her to miss TV and affected the build to the match. 

Despite this, she recovered enough to be cleared medically and was able to compete on the night of the event. Elsewhere on the card, Brock Lesnar destroyed John Cena in under ten minutes after reuniting with Paul Heyman. 

AJ Lee also made a triumphant return to the ring, teaming with CM Punk to defeat Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. The night concluded with Cody Rhodes successfully defending the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in the main event.

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