Stephanie Vaquer Conquers the Summit of Women’s Wrestling
Chilean star Stephanie Vaquer has climbed to the top of professional wrestling, conquering the WWE Women’s World Championship at Wrestlepalooza. A historic moment that consecrates her as the first South American woman to achieve this title, marking a meteoric rise in her career.
In a recent interview, Vaquer expressed the magnitude of this achievement: “It was the best fight of my career so far, and the result of the fight was the dream of my life.” Her path to glory included a televised debut on NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, in October 2024, and becoming a two-time NXT champion in March.
The match against Iyo Sky, rated a B+ for its spectacularity, was a highlight. Vaquer highlighted the importance of facing a wrestler of Sky’s caliber, whom she has admired for years, demonstrating her worth in the ring.
I’m proud because it wasn’t just a match for the most important championship, it was against one of the best in the world, Iyo Sky, someone I’ve admired for many years.
Stephanie Vaquer
The victory at Wrestlepalooza represented another milestone in the career of Vaquer, who has already made history in the world of wrestling. Her nickname, “La Primera”, reflects her legacy as a South American pioneer in various promotions, from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico, and of course, NXT.Stephanie Vaquer won the WWE Women’s World Championship at Wrestlepalooza on September 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images
The young fighter recounted how her nickname “La Primera” (The First) was born from a Mexican journalist who sought to introduce her, highlighting her pioneering achievements. “I like it because, far from being a character, it’s a reality. It’s something that has marked history,” Vaquer stated.Stephanie Vaquer became the first woman to hold the NXT Championship and the North American Women’s Championship simultaneously, after defeating Giulia in the main event of NXT: Roadblock on March 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Courtesy of WWE
Vaquer’s path to the top was not easy. At 19, he left Chile and moved to Mexico, where the culture of wrestling gave him the opportunity to pursue his dream. He recounted an injury that kept him out of the ring for more than a year.
In Mexico, he found support in a restaurant, where he could work and live, overcoming initial difficulties. His coach, Ricky Marvin, and the owner of the restaurant, Ramses, were key to his development.
At 32 years old, Vaquer has established himself as a star in WWE, with the company’s support. Stephanie McMahon was the one who raised his hand in victory at WWE Evolution, and Paul Michael Levesque, Triple H, highlighted his triumph at Wrestlepalooza, pointing out the change that his victory represents for the women’s division.
Vaquer will face Tiffany Stratton in a champion vs. champion match at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. Then, she could aim for WrestleMania, seeking another historic milestone.
Vaquer expressed her desire to face Rhea Ripley in the future, and did not rule out the possibility of reaching WrestleMania. “I want to face each of my opponents, and I want each of them to show their best in the ring,” Vaquer stated. “I love big challenges, I love them. And I am very brave. I take on all challenges. That’s why we are where we are.”
Stephanie Vaquer’s story is an example of perseverance and dedication, inspiring new generations of female wrestlers and marking a before and after in women’s wrestling.
