In a night that will be remembered as a turning point for one of WWE’s most promising talents, Stephanie Vaquer reached the pinnacle of women’s wrestling by capturing her first WWE Women’s World Championship at Wrestlepalooza. The victory caps off a remarkable journey that began just over a year ago when she first stepped foot in a WWE ring.
The Championship Vacancy That Changed Everything
The road to this championship moment started with unexpected news on the August 18 episode of Monday Night Raw. Naomi, who had successfully cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase at WWE Evolution on July 13, was forced to make a life-changing announcement. The former champion revealed her pregnancy and subsequently vacated the Women’s World Championship she had won by inserting herself into the main event clash between Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY.
Naomi’s cash-in at Evolution had been perfectly executed, capitalizing on the grueling battle between two of WWE’s premier female competitors. However, her reign would be short-lived due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
Setting the Stage for Wrestlepalooza
With the championship suddenly vacant, WWE faced the challenge of determining a new titleholder. The solution came in the form of honoring existing commitments – two wrestlers who had earned championship opportunities against Naomi would settle the matter in the ring.
IYO SKY, the former champion who lost her title in the Evolution cash-in, represented one half of the equation. Stephanie Vaquer, who had similarly earned her shot at championship gold, completed the championship picture. The stage was set for a dream match that would crown WWE’s next Women’s World Champion.
Vaquer’s Meteoric Rise Through WWE’s Ranks
Stephanie Vaquer’s championship victory represents the culmination of an unprecedented climb through WWE’s developmental and main roster systems. Since signing with the company in July of the previous year, she has rewritten the record books in NXT.
Her accomplishments in the black-and-gold brand were nothing short of historic. Vaquer became the first woman in WWE history to simultaneously hold both the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship. This dual-title reign established her as a dominant force and caught the attention of main roster decision-makers.
The Call-Up and Championship Glory
Following WrestleMania weekend in April, Vaquer received her main roster promotion – a testament to her in-ring abilities and championship pedigree. The transition from NXT to Monday Night Raw typically requires months or even years of adjustment for most wrestlers. Vaquer’s timeline tells a different story entirely.
In just a few short months since her main roster debut, she has now captured the Women’s World Championship. This rapid ascension places her among the fastest championship climbs in recent WWE history.
Crown Jewel Championship Implications
Michael Cole’s commentary during Wrestlepalooza provided additional context for wrestling fans looking ahead to next month’s premium live event. The veteran announcer confirmed that WWE Crown Jewel will feature the highly anticipated champion vs champion Crown Jewel Championship matches.
With Vaquer’s victory, the women’s division matchup is now set: Stephanie Vaquer will face Tiffany Stratton in what promises to be a showcase of the company’s present and future stars. The men’s division will see Seth Rollins challenge Cody Rhodes in what should be another classic encounter.
A New Era Begins
Stephanie Vaquer’s championship victory at Wrestlepalooza marks more than just a title change – it signals the emergence of a new main event player in WWE’s women’s division. Her journey from NXT signing to Women’s World Champion in just over a year demonstrates the kind of rapid development that creates lasting main event stars.
As she prepares for her Crown Jewel showdown with Tiffany Stratton, one question remains: Can Vaquer’s remarkable championship run continue against another rising star, or will Crown Jewel mark the beginning of yet another title reign in WWE’s ever-evolving women’s division?
