At AEW’s Forbidden Door event, Stephanie Vaquer gave a standout performance that got WWE’s attention and eventually led to her signing with them. With that in mind, Vaquer has now explained why she signed with WWE despite getting a better offer from AEW.
As translated by a Twitter user, Stephanie Vaquer talked about her decision to join WWE in an interview with Rock and Pop FM. She said that while she was already in Toronto to meet with WWE, AEW contacted her, telling her they knew she was there and urging her not to sign anything yet. That same day, she found herself speaking with both companies, comparing offers and weighing her options.
Vaquer asked both sides for a day to think things through. AEW offered to immediately cover her flight and hotel, and WWE wanted her to sit front row at NXT Heatwave. However, she turned down both offers for that day, saying she didn’t want to feel indebted to anyone.
“Listening to this Stephanie Vaquer interview, she talks about how AEW called her when she was already in Toronto to talk to WWE, saying they knew she was there and not to sign with them.
And that day she was talking with AEW and WWE saying here’s what the others are offering. She told them to give her a day to think about it, and that AEW offered to pay for her flight and hotel right away and WWE wanted her to be front row at Heatwave, but she didn’t want to owe anyone anything so she didn’t do either that day.”
When she told WWE what AEW had put on the table financially, WWE responded honestly, they couldn’t match the offer and wished her the best if she chose AEW. Vaquer admitted she was crying at that point, even though AEW’s offer was higher, because WWE had always been her dream.
Eventually, Shawn Michaels personally called her. She told him that no amount of money would make her happy if she wasn’t doing what she truly loved. Shawn’s words during that conversation deeply moved her, and although she didn’t share the details, she said they helped solidify her decision and the very next day, she signed with WWE.
“She said she told WWE what AEW was offering in terms of money, and they said “we can’t match that, good luck in AEW.” So says she was crying even though she was gonna make more money because WWE was her dream. And with that she realized she cared more about going to WWE.
Later, Shawn Michaels himself called her and talked to her she told him that even if someone offered her a hundred million dollars, she wouldn’t be happy if she wasn’t doing what she loved. She says Shawn totally understood and told her some great stuff that she’ll keep to herself but that made her want to sign and next day she accepted the contract.”
In the end, many fans feel Stephanie Vaquer made the right decision as she is currently the NXT Women’s Champion and even won the NXT Women’s North American Title before vacating it.
Stephanie Vaquer’s choice to follow her dream instead of taking more money is inspiring for fans and new wrestlers. Her story shows that doing what you truly love can still lead to success. She already has two NXT titles, proving that passion can take you far.
What do you think about Stephanie Vaquer turning down more money to sign with WWE? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.