Stephanie Vaquer is the new WWE Women’s World Champion, and she already has a blockbuster match in mind. The new champ is aiming for the top, putting Rhea Ripley on notice for a future title showdown.
Vaquer captured the vacant championship last night at Wrestlepalooza, defeating IYO SKY to kick off her first title reign on the main roster. The belt had been relinquished by Naomi on the August 18 episode of Raw due to her pregnancy.
Speaking on the Wrestlepalooza Recap show, Vaquer made her intentions clear while also giving a nod to the former champion.
“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. But I’m so happy because this match was with IYO SKY, one of the best in the world. And now, of course, I want to defend this against everyone. 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.”
Her path to the gold, however, was more challenging than fans realized. During the post-show press conference, Triple H revealed that Vaquer had been battling a significant illness in the weeks leading up to the premium live event.
This explains Vaquer’s absence from the September 8 episode of Raw, where she missed a scheduled contract signing. The behind-the-scenes struggle adds another layer to a performer who already made history in NXT by simultaneously holding both the Women’s and North American Championships before her call-up this past April.
Despite her rapid ascent, Vaquer showed humility and respect for the division she now leads.
“It’s amazing because the WWE women’s division is the best women’s division. Here, I have respect because they know about my career before WWE, and I have a lot of respect for everyone, because I know everyone is an amazing wrestler… It’s my family.”
With her health restored and the title now firmly in her grasp, the era of Stephanie Vaquer has officially begun. If she gets her wish, a massive confrontation with “The Eradicator” could define her championship reign.