WWE is already shaping storylines and potential matches for WrestleMania 42, focusing heavily on Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer and who she might face at the biggest event of the year. According to multiple backstage sources, creative discussions have centered on two of WWE’s most prominent female superstars Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch as possible challengers to Vaquer’s championship reign. While nothing is finalized, these names top the list as WWE builds towards an anticipated marquee women’s title match in April 2026.
Stephanie Vaquer’s Ascendant Championship Run
Stephanie Vaquer, a trailblazer from Chile widely known as “La Primera,” has quickly established herself as one of WWE’s premier female athletes since her arrival. As of mid-2025, Vaquer is performing on the Raw brand and currently holds the Women’s World Championship. Her ascent includes groundbreaking accomplishments such as becoming the first South American woman to hold major WWE titles, including the NXT Women’s North American and NXT Women’s Championships simultaneously — a historic first in WWE’s history[1][3].
Vaquer’s title victories have earned her considerable momentum, exemplified by recent defenses against notable challengers like Raquel Rodriguez and intense rivalries following attacks from heel competitors such as Nikki Bella. This growing narrative has positioned her as a compelling face champion going into WrestleMania season[4][5][10].
Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch: Leading the Chase for Vaquer’s Title
Creative conversations within WWE have highlighted two top-tier women as the most viable and exciting contenders to face Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42: Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch. Both are established fan favorites with proven track records in high-profile championship bouts.
Rhea Ripley: Known for her powerhouse style and commanding presence, Ripley represents a physical, hard-hitting threat to Vaquer’s title reign. Their contrasting wrestling styles could provide compelling in-ring storytelling and a fresh dynamic for the Women’s World Championship scene.
Becky Lynch: “The Man,” Becky Lynch’s charisma and resilience have made her a mainstay in marquee title feuds. Her potential clash with Vaquer brings star power and narrative depth, echoing past WrestleMania classics Lynch has headlined.
According to a WWE insider familiar with creative planning, “The company sees Stephanie as a game-changing champion, but pairing her with Ripley or Lynch would send a major message, bridging generations and styles to create a WrestleMania moment fans can’t miss. Discussions are still early, but those two are definitely in the crosshairs”[9][7].
What This Could Mean for WrestleMania 42
WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 2026 and remains WWE’s flagship event, where storylines culminate in epic battles. Booking Vaquer versus either Ripley or Lynch would underline WWE’s investment in expanding its women’s division spotlight at WrestleMania, following Vaquer’s historic rise.
Such a matchup would likely be heavily promoted given Vaquer’s milestone of being the first Chilean and South American female world champion in WWE history, combined with the enormous drawing power that Ripley or Lynch bring. The combination promises to captivate both newer and longtime WWE audiences worldwide.
Backstage, there is palpable excitement regarding the layers of storytelling this match could offer — from Vaquer’s underdog champion journey, Ripley’s dominant persona, or Lynch’s veteran pedigree. It would solidify WrestleMania 42 as a pivotal chapter in women’s wrestling evolution within WWE[1][3][9].
Current Status and What to Expect Next
While these options are front-runners, WWE’s creative team typically keeps multiple narrative avenues open months in advance. There could still be surprise entrants or storyline twists that recalibrate the WrestleMania build. Stephanie Vaquer is also actively involved in ongoing storylines, including feuds with heels like Nikki Bella, indicating potential flashpoints that might influence final decisions[4][10].
Fans should anticipate further developments on WWE programming, especially on Raw, where Vaquer continues to establish her dominance. Promos, special segments, and confrontations will likely tease and shape the finalist challenger for WrestleMania.
A WWE source close to the decision-makers told us, “Stephanie has become the centerpiece of the women’s division. Whoever steps up to her at WrestleMania will inherit a massive spotlight, so WWE is keeping options flexible while carefully crafting a historic showdown”[9].
Additional Context: Vaquer’s Impact on WWE Women’s Division
Stephanie Vaquer’s rise symbolizes WWE’s increasing globalization and commitment to diverse talent representation, particularly with her significant South American heritage. Her championship victories and performances have elevated the Raw women’s division’s prestige and storytelling complexity.
Her work ethic, combined with her historic achievements such as simultaneously holding two NXT titles and winning the Crown Jewel Women’s Championship in October 2025 cements her as a cornerstone for WWE’s women’s wrestling future.
Through these developments, WWE is not only spotlighting Vaquer’s achievements but also expanding the narrative ecosystem, allowing stars like Ripley and Lynch to chase compelling championship storylines that tap into their unique strengths.
WrestleMania 42 promises to be a landmark event for the WWE Women’s division, with Stephanie Vaquer potentially defending her title against one of its brightest stars in Rhea Ripley or Becky Lynch. As the build unfolds, fans are encouraged to follow WWE programming closely for updates on this evolving storyline that blends star power, historic achievements, and groundbreaking representation on the grandest stage of them all.