The latest episode of WWE Monday Night Raw set the stage for a brewing rivalry that could ignite the women’s division in the coming weeks. A tense backstage encounter between Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer, alongside Vaquer’s impressive in-ring performance, points toward a compelling future showdown. This developing storyline gains momentum just days before the highly anticipated Wrestlepalooza premium live event this Saturday.
Backstage Tension Sparks Anticipation
On the September 15, 2025 episode of Raw, fans witnessed a charged backstage segment where Rhea Ripley confronted Stephanie Vaquer. As Vaquer waited backstage after her match, Ripley delivered a pointed message: regardless of who claims the women’s title at Wrestlepalooza—whether Vaquer or IYO SKY—Ripley will be coming for them next. Ripley’s intense warning, punctuated by her confident and unyielding tone, encapsulated the brewing animosity.
Stephanie Vaquer responded calmly but firmly, stating, “I’m ready,” signaling that she welcomes the challenge and the potential clash with Ripley. This exchange was notable not only for its raw emotion but for setting a narrative that WWE creative seems eager to develop further[1][2][4].
An insider close to WWE creative commented, “The segment was designed to highlight Ripley’s relentless championship hunt while elevating Vaquer as a credible threat. Both women are on WWE’s radar to headline major events, and their chemistry backstage gave the segment an authentic spark.”
Stephanie Vaquer Shines in Singles Competition
Before the backstage encounter, Stephanie Vaquer showcased her in-ring prowess by defeating former star Kairi Sane in a singles match on Raw. Vaquer’s victory was emphatic, demonstrating her growing stature and credibility in the women’s division. Her technical skill and resilience against a well-established competitor like Sane impressed viewers and WWE officials alike.
Following the match, Asuka made a pointed appearance confronting Vaquer, which could further deepen Vaquer’s storyline and rivalries on Raw. These moments contribute to positioning Vaquer not only as a top contender but also as a rising force who can carry storylines and main-event segments[3][6].
Wrestlepalooza Weekend Builds a Foundation
This episode of Raw served as the final stop before Wrestlepalooza, where Stephanie Vaquer is scheduled to compete for a major women’s title. With Ripley staking her claim as the inevitable challenger regardless of Saturday’s outcome, WWE has effectively planted the seeds for a high-stakes match or series of matches between the two.
Sources close to WWE have revealed that backstage officials are enthusiastic about this potential feud, viewing it as a way to capitalize on both athletes’ momentum. Ripley’s combination of raw power and star power paired against Vaquer’s technical skill and rising popularity could create must-see television[1][2].
What’s Next? Potential Scenarios
As WWE pivots toward Wrestlepalooza, several scenarios have become possible based on the Raw confrontation:
Immediate Post-Event Challenge: The winner of the women’s title match at Wrestlepalooza could face Ripley immediately, prompting a quick escalation of their rivalry.
Extended Feud Development: WWE could use Raw episodes after Wrestlepalooza to build a deeper storyline between Ripley and Vaquer, involving additional confrontations, tag matches, or multi-woman contests that culminate in a marquee match on a flagship show.
Triangle Rivalry: Given the involvement of IYO SKY in the title picture, WWE might develop a triple-threat storyline where Ripley, Vaquer, and SKY compete, enhancing the division’s dynamism.
A WWE creative source noted, “The conversation backstage is buzzing about Ripley vs. Vaquer as a future main-event program. Both bring unique styles that could elevate Raw’s women’s division and drive ratings.”
Analysis: Why This Match Makes Sense
Ripley has been established as a dominant force, and her pursuit of the women’s championship has been a central narrative. Meanwhile, Vaquer’s recent victories and strong character work have positioned her as a credible challenger to the top spots. Their contrasting styles—Ripley’s aggressive power versus Vaquer’s technical ability and resilience—offer compelling in-ring storytelling potential.
Additionally, Vaquer’s rising popularity, bolstered by impressive performances and vocal crowd support, aligns with WWE’s pattern of elevating new stars through robust storylines with established performers like Ripley. This approach mirrors successful past programs where momentum and character have built new main-event attraction in the women’s division.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Social media responses to the Raw segment and Vaquer’s victory have been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans expressed excitement for the possibility of Ripley vs. Vaquer becoming a marquee rivalry. Trending hashtags #RDVVaquer and #Wrestlepalooza2025 highlight the buzz surrounding this storyline ahead of the weekend’s big event.
The palpable back-and-forth energy between Ripley and Vaquer backstage, combined with Vaquer’s strong in-ring showing, has created a perfect storm in WWE storytelling, capturing audience attention and setting Raw up for weeks of intense women’s division action.
This buildup places WWE fans on alert for a memorable chapter in the women’s division, with Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer emerging as key figures. With Wrestlepalooza just days away, the anticipation for how this storyline unfolds continues to grow. WWE creative seems ready to capitalize on the momentum, possibly delivering one of the season’s most exciting feuds.