Shawn Michaels, WWE NXT’s head, took to social media to officially welcome Stephanie Vaquer to the WWE family. The announcement came following reports of Vaquer’s departure from CMLL and her impending signing with WWE after a successful stint with NJPW.
Earlier, Vaquer released a statement expressing gratitude to CMLL, NJPW, and the wrestling community, confirming her immediate relinquishment of the CMLL World Women’s Championship and CMLL World Women’s Couples Championship.
Michaels’ tweet on Twitter/X read, “Welcome to the WWE Family, @Steph_Vaquer. See you in Orlando!” This signifies Vaquer’s integration into WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, which serves as the hub for WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, overseen by Michaels.
Stephanie Vaquer recently made waves in the wrestling world with her impressive showing against AEW’s Mercedes Martinez at the AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door PPV event. Despite Martinez securing victory and clinching the TBS Championship, she also laid claim to Vaquer’s NJPW Strong Women’s Championship in a match that showcased Vaquer’s resilience and skill.
Vaquer’s performance at the high-profile event garnered significant attention from fans and critics alike. Her ability to compete at such a prestigious cross-promotional event highlighted her as a rising star in the wrestling scene. Despite the loss, Vaquer’s efforts against Martinez underscored her potential and solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor in both AEW and NJPW circles.
As Vaquer navigates her career following this notable bout, wrestling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate her next moves. Her standout performance at the Forbidden Door PPV not only elevated her profile but also sparked discussions about her future opportunities and potential championship pursuits in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling.
According to PWInsider, WWE finalized the signing of Vaquer within the past week.
Shawn Michaels on NXT Staying in Orlando
Amid NXT’s upcoming move from USA Network to The CW in the fall, Shawn Michaels expressed his preference for NXT to continue operating from WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando. Michaels emphasized the benefits of maintaining NXT’s base in Orlando for the sake of the product’s consistency and development.
Michaels stated, “I think being in our home here in Orlando is fantastic for the product. Right now, it’s the best thing for us.”
He also highlighted financial considerations, indicating that, from an income standpoint, staying in Orlando makes sense for NXT at this juncture.
In recent NXT action on July 9th, TNA’s Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance teaming with Trick Williams to defeat NXT Champion Ethan Page and Shawn Spears in a tag team match, marking a notable moment on the brand.
