The WWE Universe has found its newest obsession, and it comes courtesy of rising star Stephanie Vaquer and her infectious finishing move. What started as enthusiastic commentary from Booker T has evolved into a full-blown arena phenomenon that’s got the Hall of Famer suggesting some major changes.
The Birth of a Wrestling Phenomenon
Since Stephanie Vaquer made her WWE debut last year, NXT commentator Booker T has been utterly captivated by her signature Devil’s Kiss finisher. The six-time World Champion’s trademark “Ah! Ah! Ah!” exclamations during her matches have become as recognizable as the move itself.
This unique commentary style reached new heights at WWE x AAA Worlds Collide, where the Los Angeles crowd channeled their inner Booker T. Even without the legend behind the commentary desk, fans erupted with his signature calls as Vaquer and tag partner Lola Vice executed a devastating tandem Devil’s Kiss on AAA competitors Dalys and Chik Tormenta.
Booker T’s Bold Suggestion
Speaking on his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T didn’t hold back when co-host Brad Gilmore brought up what he dubbed the “Devil’s Kiss phenomena.” The WWE legend had some interesting ideas about capitalizing on the momentum.
“I feel great about it, man. I feel great. She should call it the Booker T. She should just rename it, call it the Booker T, and take it all the way to the bank.”
While the suggestion might sound self-serving, Booker’s motivation runs deeper than ego. He sees this as part of his mission to elevate the next generation of WWE talent through any means necessary.
The Attitude Era Connection
Booker T’s excitement stems from something wrestling purists have been craving for years: genuine crowd participation. The former WCW Champion drew parallels between Vaquer’s crowd reactions and the golden age of sports entertainment.
“In the height of the Attitude Era, crowd participation was the number one thing. I don’t know if people from my generation have forgotten that, but that was the number one thing — crowd participation. Everybody brought the signs back then because they wanted to be a part of the show.”
This observation highlights a crucial element that separated the Attitude Era from other periods in wrestling history. Fans weren’t just observers; they were active participants in the storytelling process.
Old School Wisdom for New School Stars
Booker didn’t mince words when addressing wrestling veterans who might dismiss modern crowd engagement tactics. His message was clear: adapt or become irrelevant.
“When these old heads forget about that, they out of touch.”
This statement carries weight coming from someone who successfully bridged multiple wrestling eras, from WCW’s Monday Night Wars through WWE’s current landscape.
Support from Wrestling Veterans
Booker T isn’t the only industry veteran recognizing Vaquer’s special connection with audiences. WWE alum Tommy Dreamer has gone so far as to suggest that the company should personally fly Booker out specifically to call Vaquer’s matches when she eventually reaches WWE’s main roster.
This level of endorsement from respected wrestling minds speaks volumes about both Vaquer’s potential and the unique dynamic she’s created with Booker’s commentary style.
Worlds Collide Success Story
The crowd participation phenomenon didn’t overshadow Vaquer’s in-ring performance at the crossover event. She secured victory for her team by delivering an SVB and scoring the decisive pinfall on Dalys, proving that spectacle and substance can coexist beautifully.
The tandem Devil’s Kiss spot with Lola Vice demonstrated Vaquer’s ability to adapt her signature move for different match situations, a crucial skill for any wrestler looking to make their mark on WWE’s main roster.
As Stephanie Vaquer continues building momentum in WWE’s developmental territory, the organic crowd reactions she’s generating represent something money can’t buy: authentic fan investment. Whether she’ll actually consider Booker T’s rebranding suggestion remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain – this unlikely partnership between veteran commentator and rising star has struck gold with wrestling audiences. Will WWE capitalize on this lightning-in-a-bottle moment when Vaquer inevitably gets her main roster call-up?
