Stephanie Vaquer Wins WWE Championship in Historic Match

Stephanie Vaquer, known as “La Primera,” achieved a significant milestone in her wrestling career by winning the WWE Women’s World Championship at Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis on September 20, 2024. In a thrilling match against Iyo Sky, Vaquer executed a stunning Spiral Tap, securing her victory and making history as the first South American woman to capture a WWE championship.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric as fans watched Vaquer rise to the occasion. “It was the best match of my career so far, and the result of the match was the dream of my life,” Vaquer expressed during an interview on ESPN’s “Ahora o Nunca.”

A Rapid Ascent in WWE

Vaquer’s journey within WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. She made her televised debut on NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, in October 2024. By March 2025, she became the first double champion in NXT history, further solidifying her reputation in the wrestling world. Her main roster debut in June 2025 led to her historic win at Wrestlepalooza, where her match against Iyo Sky received a B+ grade from ESPN.

“I’m proud because it wasn’t just a match for the most important championship; it was against one of the best in the world,” said Vaquer. Her admiration for Sky was evident, as she noted the significance of competing against someone she has looked up to for years.

Vaquer’s next challenge comes as she faces Tiffany Stratton in a champion-versus-champion match at Crown Jewel, taking place in Perth, Australia, on October 21, 2024. This match presents another opportunity for Vaquer to make history and further establish her legacy in WWE.

Emotional Moments and Family Support

Notably, Vaquer’s father, Hector Vaquer Alvera, witnessed his daughter’s victory live for the first time. He had never seen her wrestle in person, not even in her native Chile, where she began her wrestling journey in 2009. Following her win, an emotional Vaquer ran to her father in the front row, sharing a heartfelt embrace as the audience celebrated. “It was very special because my dad is my No. 1 fan,” she stated. “He has supported me from the beginning.”

Vaquer shared that she purchased a plane ticket for her father just a week before Wrestlepalooza, which motivated her to perform at her best. “I told myself, I’m not just going to win and celebrate; I’m going to bring the belt to my dad and tell him, ‘I did it,'” she added, noting that the victory coincided with her father’s birthday.

Winning the title at Wrestlepalooza is another chapter in Vaquer’s storied career. Her nickname, “La Primera,” signifies her trailblazing achievements, having been the first South American woman to succeed in various wrestling promotions, including Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.

Vaquer’s journey has not been without challenges. At just 19, she left Chile for Mexico, seeking greater opportunities in a more competitive wrestling environment. She faced setbacks, including a severe injury that left her sidelined for over a year. However, with the support of a local restaurant owner who provided her shelter and work, Vaquer persevered, honing her skills and eventually gaining recognition.

Reflecting on her time in wrestling, Vaquer remarked, “I have had the good fortune to be the first South American in many ways within wrestling, and that has identified me as a pioneer.” Her determination and resilience have positioned her as a prominent figure in the industry.

Looking Ahead

At 32, Vaquer has quickly established herself as a star in WWE. Her relationship with WWE executives, including former wrestler and current chief content officer Paul Michael Levesque, has been supportive and encouraging. Following her championship win, Levesque praised her performance, emphasizing the significance of her victory against a top competitor like Iyo Sky.

Vaquer is committed to elevating women’s wrestling and aims to face formidable opponents in the ring. “I want to face each of my opponents, and I want each of them to show their best in the ring,” she stated. As she prepares for upcoming matches, she expressed interest in competing against Rhea Ripley, highlighting the potential for exciting matchups in the future.

With her sights set on WrestleMania in the coming year, Vaquer is determined to continue breaking barriers and achieving new milestones in her wrestling career. “Why not think about WrestleMania?” she concluded with enthusiasm, underscoring her ambition and the bright future that lies ahead.