Vaquer racks up first defence
In the first of four championship matches at Windy City Riot, Stephanie Vaquer defended the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against the challenging AZM.
Vaquer dripped confidence as she walked to the ring, the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship belt strapped around her waist. AZM was also the picture of tranquility as she patiently waited for the bell to ring. Despite both women’s calm demeanors, their initial lockup was as fierce as the ensuing battle for the championship would prove to be.
AZM tried to take control of the pace early in the match, running a few circles around Vaquer until the reigning champion had enough and managed to catch her lightning-fast opponent. After stunning her challenger with a few stiff headbutts, Vaquer trapped AZM in the corner and delivered a crippling dragon screw in an attempt to slow her down. AZM rolled out of the ring to recover and when Vaquer tried to follow, AZM caught her by surprise and hit the prone Vaquer on the floor with the deadly double stomp from the top rope. Refusing to give up her championship that easily, Vaquer was able to kick out of AZM’s cover to continue the match.
Both women seemed to find another gear as they engaged in a back-and-forth battle that saw them go hit for hit, pin for pin, and hold for hold. Just when it seemed like neither woman could best the other, AZM hit Vaquer with another double stomp from the top and it looked like NJPW was going to have a new Strong Women’s Champion. Somehow, Vaquer kicked out at the last second and after another quick exchange that could have seen either woman victorious, Vaquer had the last word as she caught AZM with her finisher and pinned her to retain the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship.
