Stephanie Vaquer’s WWE journey began in July 2024 when she signed with the company and debuted at a live event in Mexico City. Known as La Primera, Vaquer transitioned to WWE’s NXT roster, making her televised debut in October 2024 before moving to the main roster in April 2025, quickly rising as a leading figure within the women’s division.
Vaquer’s path to WWE was unconventional, as she took on various jobs to fund her wrestling training. In a conversation with Chris Van Vliet on the Insight podcast, she shared candidly about the odd jobs she held before her wrestling breakthrough.
“Mesera [waitress], fixing shoes. Yeah, many things, because I need money for training and travel. So many weird things.” — Stephanie Vaquer, WWE Wrestler
From Humble Beginnings: Vaquer’s Work Before WWE Success
Before reaching WWE’s global platform, Stephanie Vaquer’s determination was evident in how she financed her early wrestling ambitions. Her willingness to work a variety of jobs, including waitressing and shoe repair, served as a foundation for her training and travel expenses. This period of her life highlights the challenges many aspiring wrestlers face when pursuing a career in professional wrestling.
Vaquer’s journey into WWE saw her first appear at a live event in Mexico City on July 13, 2024. Following this, she spent months developing her skills within the NXT brand, where she made her television debut in October 2024. Her transition from NXT to the main WWE roster in April 2025 marked the beginning of her rising prominence on a larger stage.
Choosing NXT Over Instant Main Roster Stardom
Initially, Stephanie Vaquer considered bypassing WWE’s developmental system altogether. When asked whether she preferred to start in NXT or move directly to the main roster, she initially chose the latter. However, reflecting on her decision later, Vaquer understood the value of starting in NXT, appreciating the time to adjust and grow within WWE’s style and training programs.
“It’s a really nice experience. Because when WWE called me, they asked me if I want to go main roster or NXT. And I say, main roster. But after I think a lot I say, okay, maybe I know I need to learn how everything works here. So after I say no, I go to NXT, and many people say, What are you doing? You’re crazy. And I say no, because I’m in no rush. I like to do things step by step, no rush, and I need to learn English. I need to learn the style. I need to learn that WWE style, how they train in the PC, different training. So I started NXT slow, take my time and try to learn every day. But I really enjoy NXT because it’s like family. I really miss the people there and I had the NXT Title and the NXT North American Title at the same time, in the best women’s division. So now I’m so happy. I’m so happy. Make history is my first title in WWE, yeah, so it’s the beginning of the big dream.” — Stephanie Vaquer, WWE Wrestler
Vaquer’s choice to develop through NXT allowed her to acclimate to WWE’s unique training environment, including time at the Performance Center. It also gave her the chance to improve her English and wrestling style, preparing her for a successful main roster career. Her patience paid off as she earned a place in WWE history by capturing both the NXT Women’s North American Championship and the NXT Women’s Championship simultaneously, becoming the first South American woman to hold WWE titles and the first double women’s champion in NXT.
Stephanie Vaquer’s Trailblazing Accomplishments
Vaquer’s ascent in WWE is marked by significant milestones that highlight her impact on the company and its history. By winning the NXT Women’s North American Championship and later the NXT Women’s Championship, she etched her name as a trailblazer for South American women in WWE. These accomplishments not only showcase her athletic ability and charisma but also represent a breakthrough for representation within WWE’s women’s division.
Her success in NXT laid the foundation for her transition to WWE’s main roster, where she continues to build on her reputation as a rising star. Vaquer’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability, qualities that have helped her overcome financial and cultural challenges on the path to wrestling stardom.
What Stephanie Vaquer’s Story Means for WWE’s Future
Stephanie Vaquer’s progression from part-time jobs funding her training to making history in WWE’s NXT brand highlights the diversity of backgrounds from which WWE talent can emerge. Her decision to embrace the developmental process rather than rush to the main roster underscores the value this system holds for refining talent and preparing them for greater challenges.
Her rise also signals WWE’s increasing recognition of international talent and the growing influence of South American athletes in the sport. As fans continue to follow Vaquer’s career on the main roster, her story serves as an inspiring example for aspiring wrestlers worldwide who may be balancing multiple jobs to chase their dreams.
With her historic achievements already secured and her main roster run underway, Stephanie Vaquer’s WWE journey remains one to watch closely in the coming years.
