AEW Outbid WWE for Stephanie Vaquer's Services

Stephanie Vaquer has disclosed the factors behind her decision to join WWE rather than accepting a more lucrative financial package from AEW. The current NXT Women’s Champion shared insight into her negotiation process during a recent interview with Rock and Pop FM.

Vaquer revealed that her performance at Forbidden Door caught WWE’s attention, leading to simultaneous negotiations with both major wrestling promotions. While meeting with WWE in Toronto, she received contact from AEW executives who were aware of her location and requested she delay signing any contracts. She subsequently conducted conversations with both companies on the same day to compare their respective offers.

She told WWE what the AEW was offering in terms of financials, and they responded: ‘we cannot match that, good luck in AEW.’ Then she cried even knowing she would earn more money because WWE was her dream.

The decisive moment came through a personal phone call from Shawn Michaels. During their conversation, Vaquer expressed that even “one hundred million dollars” wouldn’t make her happy if she wasn’t pursuing her passion. Michaels shared words she preferred to keep private that ultimately cemented her decision to sign with WWE the following day.

Prior to becoming NXT Women’s Champion, Vaquer had also captured the NXT Women’s North American Title before vacating it. Her choice highlights the sometimes complex negotiation process between wrestling’s top companies and demonstrates that financial considerations aren’t always the determining factor for talent decisions.

Listening to this Stephanie Vaquer interview, she talks about how AEW called her when she was already in Toronto to talk to WWE, saying they knew she was there and not to sign with them.

And that day she was talking with AEW and WWE saying here’s what the others are offering. pic.twitter.com/rpF5d26AXK
— Sbubbs (@TheSbubbs) April 12, 2025