WWE is now less than 9 months from WrestleMania 42, and the road back to Las Vegas continues to develop. A certain superstar has been pushed in a major way ever since their controversial signing, and now sources have revealed how much bigger things are on the horizon for this fan-favorite.
Stephanie Vaquer signed with WWE last summer amidst major buzz, then debuted at a non-televised live event in Mexico the same week. Vaquer’s signing was somewhat controversial as she was with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL, and receiving offers from a highly interested Tony Khan of All Elite Wrestling. The Chilean grappler had dropped the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship to Mercedes Moné, two weeks before her WWE in-ring debut, at the Forbidden Door PPV put on by AEW and NJPW.
The Dark Angel immediately took the WWE Universe by storm, making history as a dual champion in NXT. Vaquer didn’t spend much time in the black and silver brand as she was called up to RAW right after WrestleMania 41. She recently won the 20-woman Battle Royal at Evolution II to earn a future shot at the Women’s World Championship. The near-16-minute contest saw Vaquer eliminate Nikki Bella before teaming with Lash Legend to toss Nia Jax over the top rope. She then used her viral Devil’s Kiss move to eliminate Legend for the win.
Vaquer will now challenge for the Women’s World Championship at WWE Clash In Paris on August 31, against the winner of the SummerSlam Triple Threat between champion Naomi, IYO SKY, and Rhea Ripley. La Primera’s post-match in-ring interview with Stephanie McMahon at Evolution came as a surprise to many, and now we’re learning how the segment was designed to help move her push forward.
La Primera is set to do big things in WWE, according to a new report from WrestleVotes. Officials reportedly have “significant plans” for the three-time champion in CMLL, and the idea behind putting the two Stephanies in the ring at Evolution was to signify Vaquer’s status as a future key player. The significant push for her is expected to happen in a major way sometime this fall.
Vaquer’s style and her various looks are a hot topic of discussion among her fans each week. Word now is that WWE officials have given the 32-year-old various inputs related to her overall appearance, and while no specific changes were detailed, sources note that her signature horns are staying as a key part of her look, perhaps for merchandising purposes.
WWE Clash In Paris To Feature SummerSlam Fallout
WWE will present its inaugural Clash in Paris PLE on Sunday, August 31, at Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, France, which is around 40 minutes from the French capital.
WWE has just one match confirmed for Clash In Paris for now, and that is Stephanie Vaquer vs. the Women’s World Champion. Naomi is the current champion, but she is defending against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley in a Triple Threat Match at the upcoming two-night SummerSlam PLE.
John Cena is scheduled to compete at Clash In Paris, in what will be his first and only PLE match in France. Penta, Gunther, Tiffany Stratton, CM Punk, Jacob Fatu, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, Rey Mysterio, and Jey Uso are also advertised.
WWE has several RAW, SmackDown, and non-televised live events booked for the Road to Clash in Paris Tour that begins on August 22 with SmackDown in Dublin. After the PLE, a live edition of the red brand will air from the same arena on Monday, September 1, on Labor Day.