On the December 29, 2025 episode of WWE Raw, Stephanie Vaquer successfully defended her title in a triple threat match against Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. AJ Lee, a former WWE superstar, expressed deep emotion and admiration watching these three Latina competitors share the ring, highlighting how different the landscape is compared to her wrestling era. She emphasized how the progress embodied by this match reflects the broader transformation of the women’s division.
How Women’s Wrestling Has Transformed Over the Years
AJ Lee described the dramatic shift in women’s wrestling from her time, noting that a decade ago, female wrestlers were often limited to less athletic roles and appearances, such as bikini contests. She praised the current generation of wrestlers for their diversity and depth, saying,
“I’m just so proud to see that all these different kinds of women, somebody for everybody’s flavor. Their looks are the least interesting thing about them, they have a million wonderful attributes to them. They’re superstars I wish I had growing up.”
She further explained the significance of seeing a high-profile triple threat match featuring three Latina wrestlers, something unimaginable during her career. AJ Lee said,
“And just to be able to see some matches. Like, there was a title match the other week that was a triple threat. And it was Nikki Bella, and it was Stephanie [Vaquer] and it was Raquel [Rodriguez], and it was these three Latinas. I never would’ve seen that on my TV growing up. And it made me super emotional, so it’s just a beautiful thing to see how far it’s evolved. And it should have been that way forever ago, and I hope it just continues to grow and grow.”
— AJ Lee, former WWE wrestler (UnSportsmanLike)
AJ Lee’s Vision for the Future of Women’s Wrestling
While reflecting on future possibilities, AJ Lee expressed uncertainty about her own career path but revealed her excitement about the potential of current and upcoming talents. She mentioned her hopes that younger superstars, including those she named—Becky Lynch, Bayley, Roxanne Perez, Ivy Nile, Maxxine Dupri, and others—will continue to innovate and lead the division forward. AJ Lee said,
Image of: Stephanie Vaquer
“But I hope the younger generation — the Lyras… Becky. Bayley and Roxanne, Ivy Nile, Maxxine. I hope those women have something in mind of what they wanna see. Because they’re gonna be holding it down for the next 20 years.”
— AJ Lee, former WWE wrestler (UnSportsmanLike)
The Growing Significance of Stephanie Vaquer’s Role on WWE Raw
Stephanie Vaquer’s recent performances on WWE Raw highlight the expanding representation and competitive quality within the women’s division. The visibility of diverse talents like Vaquer, alongside established stars Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez, reflects WWE’s commitment to inclusivity and athletic excellence. This shift not only honors Latina wrestlers but also sets a new standard for the division’s future direction.
As the division continues evolving, the inspiration and influence visible in matches featuring Stephanie Vaquer WWE Raw marks a significant step forward. Fans and wrestlers alike are witnessing a changing era where athleticism and cultural representation are celebrated, promising a richer, more varied future for women’s wrestling.
Courtney Pate is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, focused on covering the WWE NXT Women’s Division.
With three years of experience in wrestling journalism, she provides in-depth reporting on up-and-coming talent, standout matches, and developing storylines within NXT.
Courtney’s coverage brings attention to the rising stars shaping the future of WWE, offering timely updates, detailed analysis, and thoughtful commentary.
Her work shines a spotlight on the athleticism, character evolution, and competitive landscape of the NXT women’s roster.
Committed to accuracy and storytelling, Courtney connects readers to the pulse of WWE’s fastest-growing division.
