Reason behind recently signed WWE star’s debut delay revealed - Reports
WWE has made several key talent acquisitions in the new era after months of a rumored hiring freeze. One multi-time champion previously made an impressive debut, but then that was it, and there have been no real updates since. WWE sources have now revealed what is holding the fan-favorite up.
Stephanie Vaquer signed with World Wrestling Entertainment amid controversy last month. After dropping the NJPW Strong Women's Championship to AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné at Double Or Nothing in late May, Vaquer chose WWE over the heavily interested All Elite Wrestling. The 15-year industry veteran was CMLL's World Women's Champion and Women's Tag Team Champion at the time of her departure. An apologetic CMLL-NJPW joint statement noted that the 31-year-old cited personal reasons as to why she was leaving.
La Primera's signing was confirmed on July 11 by Shawn Michaels, who said he'd see her in Orlando. WWE's Senior Vice President of Talent Development did not provide an arrival date, but Vaquer made her surprise debut at the non-televised live event on July 13 in Mexico City, Mexico. She defeated Isla Dawn. The same match happened on July 14 in Monterrey to wrap up the brief tour. Vaquer, who holds citizenship in Mexico and Chile, was over with the fans, and was heavily promoted all weekend on WWE's social channels. Vaquer has not been back in the spotlight for a reason, but the sources report that the situation will be resolved soon.
Vaquer is currently dealing with visa issues, and that's why she has not begun training at the WWE Performance Center. PWInsider reports that CMLL's first South American female wrestler will be able to move to the United States once her visa is worked out.
Vaquer's move to the United States will allow her to start full-time with NXT and train at the Performance Center in Orlando once she is settled. However, there was no timeframe given for when the work visa might be cleared.
WWE reportedly has big plans for international women's wrestlers
World Wrestling Entertainment recently added three top international women's wrestlers to the roster. Stephanie Vaquer, DELTA Hardy, and Giulia have all been mentioned on NXT TV as of late, in addition to earlier appearances, and there has been talk of all three starting out with significant pushes on the brand.
Vaquer from Chile and Mexico left CMLL and NJPW to join WWE last month. DELTA is on her way to the company after making her name on the Australian indies. Japanese star Giulia is helping with the launch of Dream Star Fighting Marigold but will be working in Orlando soon.
The Dangerous Queen is finishing up in Japan this month. Sources recently reported that officials are looking to present Giulia as the new women's face of NXT from the time she arrives. One source expected the five-time Stardom champion to have a stronger run on than Asuka, who still has the record for longest reign with the NXT Women's Championship at 522 days.
DELTA's strong interest was expected after she impressed officials at the Elimination Chamber Week tryouts. She was supposed to move to the United States sometime after late July, if she has not already. Vaquer was presented in a major way during her debut weekend, and that is likely to continue in NXT.