Less than two weeks after catching the attention of rival AEW with a big match, WWE has snatched up the up-and-coming Stephanie Vaquer.
Less than two weeks ago, she made a name for herself with a big match under the banner of rival AEW – now WWE has snapped up the promising top performer.
Chilean Stephanie Vaquer, who was in action as recently as June 30 with a title match against Mercedes Moné at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view, is now on her way to becoming the wrestling market leader.
WWE legend Shawn Michaels, in charge of the NXT developmental squad, confirmed media reports from Mexico on Wednesday, welcoming Vaquer to WWE and stating that he would soon be meeting her “in Orlando” – location of WWE’s performance center and most NXT events.
Earlier, the Mexican newspaper Record reported that WWE had secured the services of Vaquer, who was reportedly also being courted by AEW.
Vaquer to WWE – partner leagues blindsided by AEW
The 31-year-old Vaquer was the reigning Women’s Champion of the CMLL league and also recently made her mark with appearances in the Japan leagues Stardom and NJPW. She most recently held the Strong Women’s Title in NJPW, which she relinquished to Moné, the former Sasha Banks, at Forbidden Door.
On Wednesday, CMLL and NJPW issued a joint statement announcing Vaquer’s departure, which is obviously accompanied by discord: The statement from the two leagues partnering with AEW said Vaquer had “abruptly” informed them she would not be available for upcoming shows for which she had already been announced due to “personal reasons. “
Vaquer is “no longer part of CMLL and NJPW effective immediately,” both leagues asked their fans to apologize for the turmoil surrounding Vaquer. CMLL would strip her of the title belts she still held there.
In her own statement, Vaquer sounds a little different: she is leaving CMLL and NJPW “through the big door” and “on good terms”, relinquishing her titles. She is “forever grateful” to both leagues and also asks the fans to forgive her for the cancelled appearances.