Stephanie Vaquer
Stephanie Vaquer
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Stephanie Vaquer

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Ana Stephanie Vaquer González (born 29 March 1993) is a Chilean professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand. She is a former one-time Women's World Champion, one-time NXT Women's Champion, and a one-time NXT Women's North American Champion, the only woman to hold both titles simultaneously and successfully defend both titles on the same night. Additionally she is the 2025 WWE Women's Crown Jewel Champion.

Vaquer became known for her time with the Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where she is a former CMLL World Women's Champion and CMLL World Women's Tag Team Champion with Zeuxis; she was the first luchadora in CMLL history to have held both titles simultaneously and did so until her departure from CMLL in July 2024. She has also wrestled for American promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and British promotion Revolution Pro Wrestling (RPW) due to the two organizations' partnerships with CMLL. She is additionally known for her stints in major Japanese promotions such as World Wonder Ring Stardom, Ice Ribbon, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where in the latter she is a former NJPW Strong Women's Champion.

Early life

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Ana Stephanie Vaquer González was born on 29 March 1993 in San Fernando, Chile, the daughter of Gladys González Soto and Héctor Vaquer Alvera. She attended Escuela Villa Centinela until fourth grade in 2004, when she moved to San Antonio with her parents. She completed her primary education there at Escuela Movilizadores Portuarios in 2006, and graduated from Instituto Comercial Marítimo Pacífico Sur in 2010.[5]

Professional wrestling career

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Early career (2009–2019)

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After training under Paul Slandering, Vaquer made her professional wrestling debut in 2009.[4] Her earliest documented matches occurred in August 2010 at Máximo Combate de Lucha (MCL) events in Chile.[6] She wrestled and served as a valet under the ring name Dark Angel, which she later dropped out of respect for Sarah Stock, the previous user of the name.[1] At the age of 19, Vaquer moved to Veracruz, Mexico, where she received further training under Ricky Marvin, Último Guerrero, Gran Apache and Villano IV.[3][7] She appeared for Revolucion Lucha Libre (RLL) on 2 September 2012, unsuccessfully challenging Prima Zomer for the RLL National Women's Championship.[8][9] She made her in-ring debut in Mexico at a Chilanga Mask card on 22 December 2013, where she was defeated by Baby Judas.[10] On 26 October 2014, she unsuccessfully challenged Sadika for the Lucha Libre Femenil (LLF) Junior Championship in Mérida.[11] During a tour there, Vaquer suffered a triple nose fracture that forced her to stop wrestling for nearly two years, working as a waitress at a restaurant to make ends meet.[12]

On 16 February 2019, alongside Ricky Marvin, she faced José Caporal and Mary Caporal in a mixed tag team match to win the Arena Cuautitlán Izcalli Mixed Tag Team Championship.[13] Both successfully defended the titles on 3 August in a match against Baronessa and Psycho Kid, before vacating them due to Vaquer's signee to the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).[14]

Japan (2018, 2022)

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From July to August 2018, Vaquer made her first tour of Japan to wrestle for World Wonder Ring Stardom.[15][16] She returned to Japan for Ice Ribbon at Summer Jumbo Ribbon on July 31, 2022, teaming with Dalys to defeat Hikari Shimizu and Kaho Matsushita.[17] Over the following months, she also made appearances for Pro Wrestling Wave,[18] Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling,[19] and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW).[20]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2019–2024)

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Vaquer in 2019

On 9 August 2019, Vaquer made her debut for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico as part of the Campeonato Universal de Amazonas ("Universal Amazons Championship") tournament, becoming CMLL's first female South American wrestler.[3][21] She was the second wrestler eliminated by La Jarochita.[22] In October 2020, she was paired with Dalys in a tournament for the Mexican National Women's Tag Team Championship, defeating Estrellita and Mystique in the first round, before losing in the quarter-finals to Princesa Sugehit and Sanely.[23] On 2 July 2021, she unsuccessfully challenged Sugehit for the CMLL World Women's Championship.[24] On 28 October 2022, Vaquer represented Mexico in a torneo cibernetico as part of the International Gran Prix tournament, where she eliminated Reyna Isis before being eliminated by Faby.[25]

Vaquer formed a tag team with the returning Zeuxis on 10 February 2023, defeating Marcela and Sugehit.[26] She participated in the Copa Irma Gonzáles at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas ("Homage to Two Legends") on 17 March, but was eliminated by Isis.[27] Four days later, she and Zeuxis defeated Las Chicas Indomables ("The Untamed Girls"; La Jarochita and Lluvia) in a tournament final to become the first Occidente Women's Tag Team Champions, marking Vaquer's first title in CMLL.[28] At the CMLL 90th Anniversary Show on 16 September, they again defeated Las Chicas Indomables in another tournament final to become the inaugural CMLL World Women's Tag Team Champions.[29]

At Noche de Campeones ("Night of Champions") on 29 September, Vaquer defeated La Catalina to win the vacant CMLL World Women's Championship.[30] She made her first successful title defense against Lluvia on 14 November.[31] On 1 December, she retained the title against Tessa Blanchard, who attacked Vaquer after the match, starting a feud between the two.[32] At Sin Salida ("No Escape") on 1 January 2024, Vaquer, Zeuxis and Marcela lost to Blanchard, Isis and Andrómeda.[33] On 16 February, she and Zeuxis successfully defended the CMLL World Women's Tag Team Championship against Blanchard and Lady Frost.[34] At Homenaje a Dos Leyendas on 29 March, they teamed with Lluvia in a loss to Blanchard, La Catalina and Willow Nightingale, who pinned Vaquer.[35] She wrestled her final match in CMLL on 9 July, defeating Blanchard; the two hugged after the match to end their feud.[36] The next day, it was revealed that Vaquer was leaving CMLL due to personal reasons, with both the CMLL World Women's Championship and CMLL World Women's Tag Team Championship being vacated in the process.[36]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling / World Wonder Ring Stardom (2023–2024)

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On 28 April 2023, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) announced that Vaquer would represent CMLL in a four-woman single-elimination tournament on 21 May at Resurgence to crown the inaugural Strong Women's Champion,[37] where she lost to Mercedes Moné in the semi-finals.[38] She challenged Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women's Championship at Lonestar Shootout on 10 November, but was unsuccessful.[39]

On 10 March 2024, Vaquer wrestled on night 2 of the 2024 Cinderella Tournament hosted by NJPW's sister promotion, World Wonder Ring Stardom, defeating Giulia to capture the Strong Women's Championship, becoming a triple champion between CMLL and NJPW.[40] After successfully defending the title against AZM on 12 April at Windy City Riot and Alex Windsor on 11 May at Resurgence,[41][42] Vaquer lost the Strong Women's Championship to Moné on 30 June at Forbidden Door, ending her reign at 112 days.[43]

Revolution Pro Wrestling (2024)

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On 19 May 2024, Vaquer debuted for Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) on Fantastica Mania: UK show 1, defeating Kanji.[44] On the second Fantastica Mania: UK show, Vaquer successfully defended her Strong Women's Championship against Rhio.[45] She was scheduled to wrestle Dani Luna for the Undisputed British Women's Championship during an August RevPro event, but the match was cancelled after Vaquer signed with WWE.[46]

All Elite Wrestling (2024)

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On the 29 May 2024 episode of Dynamite, Vaquer made her All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut, confronting AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné.[47] Vaquer made her AEW in-ring debut on the 29 June show of Collision, defeating Lady Frost.[48] On 30 June, at Forbidden Door, Vaquer failed to win the TBS Championship from Moné in a Winner Takes All match and also lost her Strong Women's Championship in the process.[43]

WWE (2024–present)

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NXT (2024–2025)

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Prior to signing with the company, Vaquer participated in a WWE tryout in December 2018, which was being held in her home country of Chile.[7] On 10 July 2024, WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels announced that Vaquer had officially signed with the company and was assigned to the NXT brand, making her the second Chilean woman, and the third Chilean overall to sign with WWE.[49][50] She made her WWE in-ring debut at a live event in Mexico City on 13 July, defeating WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn.[51] Vaquer made her on-screen debut appearance via satellite on the 24 September episode of NXT during the in-ring press conference between NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez and Giulia.[52] She made her televised in-ring debut on the 15 October episode of NXT, defeating Wren Sinclair. After the match, she was attacked by Perez and Cora Jade until Giulia came to make the save, leading to a tag team match at NXT Halloween Havoc on 27 October, which they won after Vaquer pinned Perez.[53][54] Vaquer competed in the women's Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline on 7 December, which was won by Giulia.[55]

Vaquer making her entrance at the 2025 Royal Rumble.

On 1 February 2025, at Royal Rumble, Vaquer entered her first women's Royal Rumble match at number 24, but was eliminated by Nia Jax.[56] At NXT Vengeance Day on 15 February, Vaquer defeated Fallon Henley to win the NXT Women's North American Championship, marking her first WWE championship win and becoming the first Chilean and South American woman to win a championship in WWE.[57] Vaquer made her first successful title defense on the February 25 episode of NXT against Karmen Petrovic. After the match, she was confronted by NXT Women's Champion Giulia, who claimed that she was the greatest champion in NXT, to which Vaquer declared that it must be decided in a Winner Takes All match, which was made official for NXT: Roadblock.[58]

At the event on 11 March, Vaquer defeated Giulia to win the NXT Women's Championship, becoming the first female double champion in NXT history.[59] On the 25 March episode of NXT, Vaquer defeated Jaida Parker to retain the NXT Women's Championship in her first defence and Henley in a rematch in the main event to retain the NXT Women's North American Championship, becoming the first double champion in WWE history to successfully defend both titles on the same night.[60] On 1 April, Vaquer relinquished the NXT Women’s North American Championship, ending her reign at 45 days.[61] At Stand and Deliver on 19 April, Vaquer defeated Giulia, Parker and Jordynne Grace in a fatal four-way match to retain the NXT Women's Championship.[62] She made another successful title defence on the 22 April episode of NXT against Perez.[63] At Battleground on 25 May, Vaquer successfully defended the NXT Women's Championship against Grace.[64] Two nights later on NXT, Vaquer lost the title to Jacy Jayne after interference from Jayne's Fatal Influence stablemates Henley and Jazmyn Nyx, ending her reign at 77 days in what would be her final match as part of the NXT roster.[65]

On 16 September, Vaquer made a special appearance at NXT Homecoming, where she teamed with Rhea Ripley and Lyra Valkyria to defeat Fatal Influence in the main event.[66]

Raw and Women's World Champion (2025–present)

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Vaquer made her first main roster appearance on the Raw after WrestleMania 41, facing Women's World Champion Iyo Sky in a match that ended in a no contest after interference from Giulia and Roxanne Perez.[67] On 30 May 2025, Raw general manager Adam Pearce announced that Vaquer had joined the brand.[68] On the 2 June episode of Raw, Vaquer defeated Ivy Nile and Liv Morgan in a triple threat match to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match.[69] At the WWE and Lucha Libre Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) event Worlds Collide on 7 June, Vaquer and Lola Vice defeated Chik Tormenta and Dalys, the latter of whom Vaquer started a mini feud with in NXT.[70] Hours later at Money in the Bank, she failed to win the namesake ladder match.[71]

At Evolution on 13 July, Vaquer won the 20-woman battle royal for a Women's World Championship match at Clash in Paris,[72] though the match was ultimately cancelled due to the Women’s World Championship being vacated.[73] At Wrestlepalooza on 20 September, Vaquer defeated Sky to win the vacant title, becoming the first Chilean and South American woman to win a world championship in the WWE.[74] At Crown Jewel on 11 October, Vaquer defeated WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton to win the WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship.[75] She successfully defended the Women’s World Championship against Nikki Bella at Survivor Series: WarGames on 29 November,[76] and in a triple threat match also involving Raquel Rodriguez on the 29 December episode of Raw.[77] On the 2 February 2026 episode of Raw, Vaquer defeated Rodriguez to retain the title in a Philadelphia Street Fight to end their feud.[78] At Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 on 18 April, Vaquer lost the title to Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan after interference from her Judgment Day stablemates, Rodriguez and Perez, ending her reign at 210 days and marking her first pinfall loss on the main roster. After WrestleMania 42, it was reported that Vaquer would be taking time off due to a shoulder injury.[79] Vaquer revealed on WWE: UnReal that she is actually taking the first extended leave of her wrestling career.[80]

Vaquer returned on the 3 August episode of Raw, where she attacked Morgan, Rodriguez, and Perez before having a staredown with Becky Lynch.[81]

Other media

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Vaquer made her video game debut as a playable character in WWE 2K25 as a DLC.[82] She has since appeared in WWE 2K26.[83]

Personal life

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Vaquer has stated that she lived in Mexico for a total of eleven years (as of 2025).[84]

While she was living in Japan, she also learned the art of kintsugi, which is incorporated on her makeup near her right eye, where she suffered the fractures back in Mexico.[85]

On 4 March 2023, Vaquer filed a criminal complaint against fellow wrestler Rogelio Reyes, whom she had started dating when they both worked for CMLL. According to the complaint, he choked her and threw her against a wall. On 9 March, CMLL released a statement stating that they "energetically condemn any form of violence against women and reiterate our commitment to promote a life free of violence and harassment in our staff and attendees to our arenas".[86] On 10 March, after a show for AAA in Aguascalientes, Reyes was arrested on a warrant in Mexico City and charged with attempted murder and domestic violence.[87][88]

Since 2025, Vaquer has been dating NXT wrestler, Myles Borne.[89]

Championships and accomplishments

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Vaquer is a former CMLL World Women's Champion (left hand), CMLL World Women's Tag Team Champion (right hand), and NJPW Strong Women's Champion (around waist).

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ana Stephanie Vaquer González (born March 29, 1993), known professionally as Stephanie Vaquer, is a Chilean professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where she competes on the Raw brand.[1][2][3] She began her career in 2009 at age 16 on the independent circuit in Chile under the ring name Dark Angel before relocating to Mexico in 2019 to join Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), becoming the first woman from South America to do so.[4][5] In CMLL, she achieved significant success, capturing the CMLL World Women's Championship for 285 days and the CMLL World Women's Tag Team Championship with Zeuxis for 298 days, among other accolades.[6][7] Vaquer also held the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship for 112 days, demonstrating her versatility across promotions.[6] Upon signing with WWE in July 2024, Vaquer rapidly ascended in NXT, winning the NXT Women's Championship and later becoming a double champion by also securing the NXT Women's North American Championship, a feat marking her as the first woman to hold two NXT titles simultaneously.[2][8] Transitioning to the main roster, she claimed the Women's World Championship and the Women's Crown Jewel Championship, establishing herself as a two-time world champion in WWE and the first South American woman to win a WWE title.[1][9] Her departure from CMLL and NJPW in 2024 resulted in her being stripped of titles, amid reports of tensions, though she has since thrived in WWE, earning recognition for her technical skill, aerial maneuvers, and intense in-ring presence.[10][8]

Early life and training

Childhood in Chile

Ana Stephanie Vaquer González was born on March 29, 1993, in San Fernando, Chile, to parents Héctor Vaquer Alvera and Gladys González Soto.[11][12] Growing up in a modest socioeconomic environment in a country lacking a professional wrestling infrastructure, Vaquer's early exposure to the sport came primarily through televised media, including matches featuring wrestlers like Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, and Trish Stratus, which ignited her passion despite the absence of local events or training facilities.[13][14] By age 15, Vaquer had resolved to pursue wrestling professionally, demonstrating early determination by saving money independently to fund her relocation abroad at around 16 years old, a decision made without familial financial support amid limited resources in Chile, facing significant challenges such as financial hardships, language barriers, and the isolation of moving alone.[15][16][17] Her formative years included completing primary education at Escuela Movilizadores Portuarios in 2006, reflecting a grounded upbringing in a coastal region before her focus shifted decisively toward athletic ambitions.[17]

Move to Mexico and initial training

Vaquer relocated from Chile to Mexico in 2012 at the age of 19, motivated by the constrained professional wrestling landscape in her home country, which lacked the depth and opportunities available in Mexico's established lucha libre tradition.[9] This move represented a deliberate pursuit of advanced training in a environment conducive to rapid skill development, where the cultural and infrastructural emphasis on lucha libre enabled more rigorous practice and exposure.[9] [18] In Mexico, primarily in Veracruz and Querétaro, she underwent intensive foundational training under coach Ricky Marvin, focusing on core lucha libre techniques such as aerial maneuvers, submissions, and mat-based grappling essential to the style's fast-paced, acrobatic demands.[9] Additional guidance from mentors like Gran Apache reinforced her proficiency in high-impact moves and ring psychology, prioritizing incremental mastery of fundamentals over superficial flair.[19] Early sessions were marked by physical trials, including a nasal fracture in one of her initial matches that sidelined her for over a year, underscoring the unyielding physical preparation required.[9] This period laid the groundwork for her adaptation to independent circuits, where she competed under personas like Dark Angel in preliminary bouts to hone timing and adaptability.[8]

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit and early promotions (2009–2018)

Vaquer made her professional wrestling debut on February 14, 2009, in Chile at age 15, performing under the ring name Dark Angel after training under local wrestler and trainer Paul Slandering.[4] Initially working as a valet for Slandering in Chilean independent promotions, she transitioned to in-ring competition amid a scene offering limited exposure and pay, focusing on foundational techniques like strikes and basic maneuvers in small venues.[20] This early phase emphasized endurance in high-risk matches with minimal safety standards, common in regional indies, where she built resilience through frequent bouts against local talent. Seeking advanced training and greater opportunities, Vaquer relocated to Mexico around age 16, immersing herself in the independent circuit while studying under mentors including Gran Apache, Ricky Marvin, and Villano IV.[4] She competed in obscure promotions, including Absolute GDLL, where she captured the Absolute GDLL Women's Championship in one of her earliest title wins, demonstrating technical proficiency in women's divisions often overlooked by major leagues.[4] Matches during this era, particularly in areas like Veracruz in 2014, involved grueling schedules with low compensation, fostering her adaptation to lucha libre's high-flying and submission-based style amid inconsistent bookings. Following a brief hiatus through much of 2015, Vaquer resurfaced late that year, shifting focus to Mexico City independents and refining her persona from Dark Angel toward her established Stephanie Vaquer identity.[21] This period marked iterative experimentation with character elements and match psychology, prioritizing causal skill progression over spotlight, as she navigated the physical toll of indie wrestling—frequent injuries and travel—without the structure of established federations.[20] By 2018, these years had solidified her core arsenal, including suplexes and aerial risks, through empirical repetition in untelevised events.

Rise in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2019–2023)

Vaquer debuted for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) on August 9, 2019, in Mexico City, becoming the promotion's first female wrestler from South America.[4] Initially appearing as a guest performer in multi-woman matches and undercard bouts, she competed regularly on CMLL's weekly shows, such as Martes de Nuevo Valores and Super Viernes, facing established talents like Princesa Sugehit and Dalys la Caribeña. These early appearances, totaling over 50 documented matches by the end of 2020, established her as a reliable midcard technician capable of mat-based wrestling and submission holds, though she noted the promotion provided limited creative support or booking priority during this period.[22][23] By 2021–2022, Vaquer's consistent performances in feuds against ruda (heel) factions, including brief rivalries with members of Las Fuerzas del Mal like Reyna Isis, highlighted her resilience and adaptability to CMLL's high-pace, multi-person environments. She secured victories in elimination-style contests, such as an eight-woman match on December 6, 2022, defeating competitors including Ivelisse and Lluvia, which drew praise for her chain wrestling and defensive counters.[24] Participation in regional events, like those in Guadalajara under CMLL Occidente, further built her reputation, with match times averaging 10–15 minutes per outing and win rates improving to approximately 60% in non-title scenarios by late 2022.[20] In early 2023, Vaquer aligned with veteran Zeuxis to form a tag team, defeating La Jarochita and Lluvia on February 21 in a match that emphasized their complementary styles—Vaquer's precision strikes paired with Zeuxis's power moves—positioning her as a versatile competitor beyond singles bouts. This partnership led to increased exposure on major cards, including Noche de Campeones events. By October 2023, her participation in the Grand Prix de Amazonas tournament, where she advanced to the finals against Tessa Blanchard on October 27, underscored her transition to upper-midcard status, with analysts noting her improved stamina in 50-minute multi-team formats as key to her growing prominence.[25] These developments, grounded in over 150 CMLL appearances by year's end, set the foundation for her challenges against top-tier opponents without yet securing world-level accolades.[22]

CMLL championship reign and international exposure (2023–2024)

On September 29, 2023, at the CMLL Noche de Campeones event in Mexico City, Stephanie Vaquer defeated La Catalina in the finals of a tournament to win the vacant CMLL World Women's Championship, which had been vacated earlier that year due to Princesa Sugehit's injury.[26] Her reign lasted 285 days, ending on July 10, 2024.[6] Vaquer defended the title successfully against several challengers, including a pinfall victory over Tessa Blanchard on December 1, 2023, during CMLL's Super Viernes show.[27] Concurrently, on September 16, 2023, she and partner Zeuxis captured the CMLL World Women's Tag Team Championship, making Vaquer the first wrestler in CMLL history to hold both the World Women's Championship and the Tag Team Championship simultaneously—a distinction she maintained until mid-2024.[6] Vaquer's profile expanded internationally through cross-promotional appearances with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and World Wonder Ring Stardom in 2023 and 2024. In April 2023, NJPW announced her participation representing CMLL in events tied to the Strong Women's Championship landscape, including tournament matches and high-profile bouts.[4] She further competed in Stardom's 2024 Cinderella Tournament and other cards, enhancing her visibility outside Mexico. Her tag team with Zeuxis ranked No. 84 in the 2023 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Tag Team 100, underscoring their impact.[28] [29] These achievements positioned Vaquer at No. 54 in the 2023 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Women's 250 rankings, an empirical indicator of her standing among global female wrestlers based on match outcomes, title success, and activity.[30]

Brief appearances in other promotions (2024)

In May 2024, Vaquer participated in Revolution Pro Wrestling's (RevPro) co-promotion with CMLL for the FantasticaMania UK tour, competing in multiple events across the United Kingdom.[31] On May 19, 2024, at the London show, she defended the NJPW Strong Women's Championship against Rhio in a non-title context under UK rules, retaining the belt via pinfall after executing her signature moveset.[32] These outings served as high-profile international exposure tied to her CMLL and NJPW affiliations, but lacked long-term storylines or title pursuits beyond the defense.[33] Vaquer's planned August 2024 RevPro tour, intended as a multi-match European stint, was canceled shortly after her WWE signing announcement on July 10, 2024, with RevPro citing late notification from her commitments.[34] This withdrawal underscored the transitional nature of her independent bookings, prioritizing resume enhancement through cross-promotional defenses rather than sustained arcs.[35] Shifting to the United States, Vaquer made her in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the June 29, 2024, episode of Collision, appearing as the NJPW Strong Women's Champion in a showcase capacity.[36] The following day, June 30, 2024, at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, she challenged Mercedes Moné for the AEW TBS Championship in a high-stakes singles match, ultimately losing via submission after a competitive bout marked by reported backstage logistical challenges, including transportation delays.[37] These AEW engagements represented opportunistic crossovers leveraging her NJPW title prestige, without securing victories, new championships, or extended feuds, aligning with brief, event-specific roles amid growing WWE interest.[8]

WWE signing and NXT debut (2024–2025)

Stephanie Vaquer signed a contract with WWE on July 10, 2024, following her departure from CMLL and NJPW.[38] She was assigned to the NXT brand and made her in-ring debut for the promotion at a live event in Mexico City, where she defeated Isla Dawn.[39] Vaquer's televised NXT debut occurred on October 15, 2024, against Wren Sinclair of the No Quarter Catch Crew, whom she defeated via submission.[40] [41] Vaquer's early NXT matches showcased her technical wrestling style and high-flying ability, earning her quick momentum on the roster. On February 15, 2025, at NXT Vengeance Day, she captured the NXT Women's North American Championship by defeating Fallon Henley in a triple threat match also involving Jaida Parker, marking her first WWE title win and making her the inaugural Chilean and South American woman to hold WWE gold.[2] [42] Her ascent continued at NXT Roadblock on March 11, 2025, where she defended the North American Championship against champion Giulia in a winner-takes-all match, defeating her to also claim the NXT Women's Championship and become the first woman to hold both titles simultaneously in NXT history.[43] [44] This double championship reign, lasting until April 1, 2025, when Vaquer relinquished the North American title to focus solely on the NXT Women's Championship, highlighted her dominance and versatility in the division.[45] The rapid progression from debut to dual titleholder underscored her established reputation from international promotions, positioning her as a top contender based on proven in-ring achievements.[9]

Main roster push on Raw (2025–present)

On May 30, 2025, WWE announced Stephanie Vaquer's call-up to the Raw brand, where she immediately entered a Money in the Bank qualifying triple threat match against Liv Morgan and Ivy Nile on the June 2 episode.[46][47] Vaquer's main roster debut showcased her technical prowess and high-flying elements, aligning with Raw's emphasis on competitive women's divisions amid ongoing feuds.[48] Vaquer's momentum accelerated through summer 2025, positioning her as a top contender on Raw with consistent victories that highlighted WWE's aggressive booking strategy for the former NXT champion. By September 20, 2025, she captured the vacant Women's World Championship by defeating IYO SKY at Wrestlepalooza, marking her first main roster title and solidifying her status as a dominant force.[49] This reign, combined with her prior NXT successes, resulted in Vaquer holding four WWE championships within eight months of her 2025 NXT arrivals, underscoring an unprecedented push for rapid elevation.[50] At Crown Jewel on October 11, 2025, in Perth, Australia, Vaquer defended her Women's World Championship lineage by defeating WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton to win the inaugural Women's Crown Jewel Championship in a champion-versus-champion bout.[51][52] The victory extended her title portfolio and drew praise for her resilience against Stratton's athletic offense, further elevating her profile internationally.[53] As of December 31, 2025, Vaquer led the main roster with 43 wins in 54 matches for the year, reflecting sustained booking as champion amid storylines teasing alliances and rivalries.[54] On the October 20 episode of Raw, she defeated Roxanne Perez in a non-title singles match, overcoming Perez's aggressive style with a top-rope splash for the pinfall victory.[55] Post-match, Perez and Raquel Rodriguez of The Judgment Day attacked Vaquer, prompting an injury scare during the brawl, though WWE confirmed no serious issues, allowing her to continue defenses.[56] Nikki Bella intervened to save Vaquer, hinting at potential tag team dynamics or betrayals in ongoing Judgment Day feuds as Raw heads toward year-end events.[57] On December 29, 2025, Vaquer retained the Women's World Championship in a triple threat match against Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez on Raw, countering their coordinated attacks to secure the victory.[58]

Contract disputes and controversies

Departure from CMLL

On July 10, 2024, CMLL and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) jointly announced that Stephanie Vaquer had departed both promotions effective immediately, citing personal reasons as the basis for her exit.[59] [60] As part of the departure, Vaquer vacated the CMLL World Women's Championship, which she had held since September 29, 2023, and the CMLL World Women's Tag Team Championship, defended alongside Zeuxis.[61] [62] CMLL subsequently stripped her of both titles, and she was removed from scheduled appearances, including the Fantasticamania USA event on July 13, 2024.[62] [60] CMLL publicly criticized Vaquer's abrupt exit, emphasizing that she left without fulfilling commitments as a reigning champion, which they viewed as disrespectful to the promotion's traditions and invested development over five years.[63] Reports indicated internal frustration at CMLL over breached contractual agreements, including an expectation that Vaquer would appear at the Fantasticamania USA event in San Jose on July 13, 2024, to drop her titles cleanly before departing, rather than vacating them remotely via social media.[64] [65] Vaquer responded on social media by formally vacating the championships and issuing an apology to fans, framing her decision as a pursuit of new professional opportunities despite CMLL's historically territorial exclusive contracts that limit outside bookings.[61] The fallout strained relations within Mexican lucha libre circles, with CMLL expressing ongoing resentment toward Vaquer's handling of the transition, compounded by her immediate pivot to WWE amid the promotion's strict no-compete policies.[65] NJPW affiliates echoed this discontent, viewing the move as undermining collaborative efforts like cross-promotional title defenses, leading to broader industry heat that highlighted tensions between CMLL's insular model and global talent poaching by larger entities.[66]

Choice over AEW and industry backlash

Stephanie Vaquer opted to sign with WWE in July 2024, despite prior discussions with AEW and her appearance at the AEW × NJPW Forbidden Door event on June 30, 2024, where she challenged Mercedes Moné for the AEW TBS Championship.[67] In interviews, Vaquer emphasized that her choice stemmed from a lifelong aspiration to compete in WWE, viewing it as essential for comprehensive skill development in what she described as the premier women's division.[68][69] She recounted receiving a direct outreach from WWE's Shawn Michaels, which influenced her amid ongoing negotiations, prioritizing creative alignment and long-term growth over immediate alternatives.[67] Logistical shortcomings at Forbidden Door further tilted her decision, with reports indicating AEW failed to arrange transportation or accommodations, leaving Vaquer to handle her own travel from Mexico—echoing past operational lapses like those involving CM Punk.[37][70] Although AEW reportedly extended a higher financial offer, Vaquer clarified that compensation was secondary; WWE matched or exceeded it upon learning of the competing bid, but her primary motivation remained the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream rather than monetary incentives.[71][72] The decision drew criticism from segments of the wrestling community favoring independent and alternative promotions, with some fans and commentators arguing Vaquer overlooked AEW's stronger in-ring emphasis for WWE's entertainment-oriented product, potentially limiting her to matches against less technically proficient opponents.[73] This backlash, often rooted in preferences for "pure" wrestling loyalty, intensified post her WWE title acquisitions, including the NXT Women's Championship in late 2024 and subsequent main roster pursuits, where detractors labeled her rapid elevation an "overpush" disconnected from indie meritocracy narratives.[74] However, Vaquer's empirical achievements—such as defending titles against established competitors and drawing viewer interest—substantiate her selection's viability, countering claims of undue favoritism by demonstrating sustained performance under WWE's rigorous system.[75]

Personal life

Background and family

Ana Stephanie Vaquer González was born on March 29, 1993, in San Fernando, Chile, to parents Héctor Vaquer Alvera and Gladys González Soto.[76][12] She was raised in San Fernando, a region not known for producing wrestling talent, and developed an early passion for lucha libre at age 10 through television viewings.[77][78] Vaquer's family lacked any background in professional wrestling, marking her entry into the sport as a personal pursuit without hereditary influences.[77] Her father served as a primary role model, emphasizing hard work and integrity, while offering emotional encouragement and financial assistance during her initial years training in Mexico after leaving Chile at age 19.[77] He remained in Chile until 2025, when he first traveled abroad to witness her performance live.[77] The family provided ongoing support, as evidenced by her communications with them amid early career hardships like injuries.[78] Beyond these details, Vaquer has maintained privacy about her family life, with no verified public information on siblings or children.[79]

Relationship with El Cuatrero and domestic violence charges

Stephanie Vaquer had a romantic relationship with Mexican professional wrestler El Cuatrero (Rogelio Reyes) prior to 2023.[80] On March 4, 2023, Vaquer filed a criminal complaint against El Cuatrero alleging domestic violence, claiming that during an argument over his texting a stranger, he grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against a wall.[80] El Cuatrero was arrested shortly thereafter on March 12, 2023, and charged with domestic violence and attempted femicide under Mexican law.[81][82] He remained in prison for approximately two years while the case proceeded.[83][84] In response to the allegations, multiple Mexican wrestling promotions, including Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), suspended El Cuatrero indefinitely from appearances.[83][80] El Cuatrero was released from prison on or around April 1, 2025, after serving his detention period, though restrictions prohibit him from contacting Vaquer or resuming wrestling activities pending further legal resolution.[84][82] Vaquer has since maintained privacy regarding her personal life, offering limited public statements on the matter and prioritizing her professional wrestling career, which advanced to WWE's main roster despite the incident.[85][80] Her career continued to advance to WWE's main roster without verified evidence of interruption directly attributable to the incident.[83][85]

In-ring style, moveset, and persona

Technical approach and influences

Vaquer's in-ring fundamentals derive from the lucha libre tradition, emphasizing technical chain wrestling, submissions, and agile counters honed through early training in Chile and Mexico.[21] Her initial instruction under Paul Slandering focused on foundational mat-based techniques, while subsequent work with veteran Ricky Marvin refined the precision and realism inherent to Mexican wrestling's blend of holds and transitions, prioritizing fluid execution over exaggerated spectacle.[21][86] This approach draws partial influence from admired figures like Trish Stratus for athletic versatility and Japanese strong style for stiff, impact-driven realism.[14][17] In WWE, Vaquer integrated her acrobatic base with amplified power dynamics to suit televised spectacles and larger rosters, evident in matches showcasing sustained agility against varied physiques.[17] This adaptation maintains lucha libre's high-velocity sequences but incorporates broader pacing to align with American promotion demands, as observed in her NXT bouts transitioning to Raw's main event structure by mid-2025.[8] The inherent risks of her style, combining rapid aerial commitments with submission groundwork, manifest in physical strain; a notable 2025 incident on October 20 during a Raw springboard attempt against Roxanne Perez resulted in a knee grab and limp, prompting backstage concern over potential ligament damage from repetitive high-impact maneuvers, though Vaquer dismissed it as non-serious.[87][57] Such empirical vulnerabilities underscore the causal trade-offs of her technical-agile hybrid, where velocity amplifies wear on joints amid frequent tours.[88]

Signature moves and character evolution

Vaquer's signature maneuvers prominently feature the Devil's Kiss, a seated facebuster executed by transitioning from a chokehold into a slamming drop, which she developed inadvertently during an independent match and has retained despite aesthetic critiques from Mexican wrestling observers who noted its unconventional visual impact compared to traditional lucha finishers.[89][90] She frequently pairs this with the SVB (Stephanie Vaquer Backbreaker), a package neckbreaker delivered onto her raised knee, often used to secure victories in high-stakes bouts on the NXT and Raw brands since her July 2024 signing.[17] Additional reliable setups include a package piledriver, deployed in her WWE debut against Isla Dawn on July 13, 2024, in Mexico City to emphasize her power-based transitions.[91] Her in-ring persona underwent a marked shift from the ethereal "Dark Angel" gimmick, adopted during her formative years in Chilean and Mexican independents to evoke mystery and agility, to the assertive "La Primera" archetype upon her WWE transition in mid-2024, centering on her trailblazing path as the inaugural Chilean talent to achieve main roster prominence through unyielding self-reliance rather than predefined savior narratives.[17] This evolution aligns with career milestones, such as her NXT debut in October 2024, where the character underscored grit forged from cross-border training in CMLL territories.[92] Attire and entrance evolutions reflect a deliberate blend of her Chilean roots and adopted Mexican lucha aesthetics, incorporating horned headpieces symbolizing combative ferocity—drawn spontaneously from her personal ethos—and gear palettes nodding to the Mexican flag's tricolor for events in lucha heartlands, evolving into more cinematic WWE productions by October 2025 with intensified lighting and thematic music to amplify her dominant aura.[17][93]

Championships and accomplishments

Major title wins

Vaquer first achieved major success as CMLL World Women's Champion, winning the vacant title on September 29, 2023, by defeating La Catalina at Noche de Campeones; she held the championship for 285 days until vacating it on July 10, 2024, amid her departure from the promotion, during which she made successful defenses against challengers including Tessa Blanchard and Dalay.[6] [1] Transitioning to WWE in early 2025, Vaquer captured the NXT Women's North American Championship on February 15, 2025, reigning for 45 days until April 1, 2025, marking her debut major title in the promotion.[6] She then dethroned Giulia for the NXT Women's Championship at Roadblock in March 2025, becoming the first woman to simultaneously hold both NXT women's titles; her reign lasted approximately two months until May 27, 2025, when Jacy Jayne defeated her on NXT television.[2] [42] On the main roster, Vaquer defeated IYO SKY to win the vacant Women's World Championship on September 20, 2025, at a special event, in her first reign as of October 2025.[50] She added the Women's Crown Jewel Championship on October 11, 2025, by defeating Tiffany Stratton at Crown Jewel, solidifying her status with multiple world-level titles across promotions.[53] [1] These victories contributed to her accumulating seven world-level championship reigns in major promotions, including prior holds like the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship, and established her as the first South American-born WWE women's champion.[8] [6]

Other honors and records

Vaquer was ranked number 5 among the top 250 female singles wrestlers in the 2024 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Women's 250 rankings.[94] She and tag partner Zeuxis were ranked number 84 in the 2023 PWI Tag Team 100.[95] In WWE, Vaquer became the first woman to hold both the NXT Women's Championship and NXT Women's North American Championship simultaneously.[1] She was also the first South American woman to win a WWE championship title.[9] As of October 2025, Vaquer has amassed 26 wins, the highest total among WWE main roster wrestlers for the year.[96]

Reception and legacy

Critical acclaim and fan response

Stephanie Vaquer's in-ring performances have garnered praise from wrestling analysts for her technical precision, high-flying maneuvers, and ability to deliver compelling matches against top competitors. Her victory over IYO SKY to capture the WWE Women's World Championship at WrestlePalooza on September 20, 2025, was specifically noted as a critically acclaimed bout, showcasing her adaptability and execution under high stakes.[97] This acclaim extends to her overall skill set, with observers highlighting her as a "total package" combining athleticism, charisma, and crowd connection, contributing to her rapid elevation from NXT to main roster stardom within less than a year.[98] In power rankings throughout 2025, Vaquer consistently dominated women's divisions, reflecting empirical assessments of her match outcomes and momentum. For instance, she topped fan-compiled WWE women's rankings in July 2025 with a score of 209 points based on performance metrics, and placed second in independent weekly rankings by October, underscoring her sustained high-level output amid title reigns.[99] Her record of 16 title wins in 2025, including defenses against established rivals, further evidences a trajectory driven by verifiable successes rather than external factors.[100] Fan response has been enthusiastic, particularly drawn to Vaquer's underdog journey from Chile to WWE world champion, fostering international appeal and emotional investment. She visibly reacted with emotion to crowd support during events in Australia in October 2025, and her name trended prominently on social platforms following key victories, with wrestlers themselves engaging in reactions to her rising profile.[101][102] This buzz correlated with measurable engagement spikes, such as WWE NXT viewership exceeding 700,000 for the March 12, 2025, episode post her title win at Roadblock, and her ranking as the third-most searched WWE women's superstar on Google in June 2025.[103][104]

Criticisms of booking and push

Some wrestling fans have criticized WWE's booking of Stephanie Vaquer as an overpush, citing her brief tenure with the promotion relative to the prominence granted. Following her in-ring debut on July 13, 2024, at a live event in Mexico City, Vaquer captured the NXT Women's Championship on March 11, 2025, approximately eight months later, and ascended to the WWE Women's World Championship on September 20, 2025, after transitioning to the main roster in June 2025.[6][42] A Reddit discussion on October 19, 2025, labeled her "the most over pushed person in the company right now," arguing her rapid elevation overshadowed longer-tenured performers despite limited prior exposure to WWE audiences.[105] Detractors have drawn parallels to historical rapid rises in WWE that faltered due to insufficient foundational storytelling or audience buy-in, questioning Vaquer's push sustainability amid her international background and language barriers. Specific booking choices, such as her removal from a title opportunity at Clash in Paris on August 26, 2025, and the May 27, 2025, NXT title loss to Jacy Jayne, drew ire as "lazy" or the "worst booking decision ever," with fans perceiving inconsistent momentum that risked alienating viewers.[106][107] An ex-WWE writer echoed this post a June 2025 Raw loss, claiming the company was "ruining" her potential through erratic direction.[108] These views, often voiced in fan forums, contrast with evidence of performance-based achievements, as Vaquer's titles were won via pins over established rivals like Giulia at Roadblock 2025 and in high-profile main roster matches, indicating merit over favoritism.[2][1] WWE Hall of Famer Booker T dismissed such criticisms on June 24, 2025, attributing them to "bitter" observers overlooking her in-ring capabilities and prior accomplishments in Mexico.[109]

References

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