On Monday, February 16, the WWE universe witnessed a tense moment during Monday Night Raw as Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer delivered harsh remarks targeting Liv Morgan. Vaquer challenged the authenticity of Morgan’s rise, dismissing the effort Morgan has put into reaching her current status, especially when comparing it to Vaquer’s own journey in WWE. This confrontation ignited widespread discussion around the personal struggles and paths of WWE superstars, with particular focus on Morgan’s perseverance.
Amid the fallout, former WWE star Mickie James, a veteran and TNA Hall of Famer who once shared the ring with Morgan, spoke out in defense of Morgan’s hard work and the challenges she has faced.
Mickie James Highlights the Unique Difficulties Liv Morgan Has Overcome
During an appearance on Gabby AF, Mickie James addressed the emotional impact Vaquer’s comments had on Morgan, who was reportedly moved to tears. James emphasized that although their paths differed, Morgan’s commitment and struggle were no less genuine. She reflected on her own rise from the independent wrestling scene, questioning the length and nature of Vaquer’s grind before television, but affirming her belief that Morgan also exerted relentless effort.
James said,
“I came up from the indies and I came up the same way, I don’t know how long Stephanie had been grinding on the independent scene before she got a shot for television but I’m sure it wasn’t seven years, maybe it was I don’t know. I think that Liv busted her ass too.”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
She further added,
“So I think if you’re saying that to somebody, just because the struggle wasn’t the same doesn’t mean it wasn’t a struggle. Because we all have our own struggles especially if you don’t even know the backstory of someone and their lives and their hardships. I mean sometimes our struggles come at seven years old, you just don’t know.”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
Examining the Impact of Vaquer’s Remarks on Morgan’s Motivation
James considered how Vaquer’s harsh words might influence Morgan’s next moves, questioning whether it would push Morgan to seek retribution against Vaquer herself or whether it would inspire her to focus on more prominent challenges ahead, such as taking on WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42.
She observed,
“So maybe she was hitting home with Liv a bit and some real places if she is questioning if she wants to be champion again, she knows what it takes to be a champion, she’s been champion so it’s not unfamiliar territory for her.”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
James also noted,
“If it hits some special nerve (Stephanie’s comments), if she’s gonna climb a mountain to prove herself and prove that she’s worthy of being a champion, like no offense like who’s the bigger mountain? (Vaquer or Jade Cargill) So that’s really interesting to me.”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
She contemplated the possible mindset Morgan might adopt:
“If you’re going from a personal, like, ‘I took that personal and you done pissed me off,’ kind of thing, then yeah, maybe Stephanie. Or if she’s doing some soul searching and she’s going, ‘There’s two ways to prove her wrong.’”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
Comparison of Liv Morgan’s Career to Past WWE Stars
James compared Morgan’s development in WWE to that of former stars Kelly Kelly and Victoria Crawford (known as Alicia Fox), emphasizing how early beginnings often require refinement and patience before reaching stardom. Morgan, at a young age similar to Kelly Kelly and Victoria, has evolved through continual improvement in the ring.
“It’s very similar to Kelly Kelly and Victoria (Alicia Fox), they were young, like 18, 19 you know what I mean? Yeah she did need some fine tuning and that’s the magic of being up there on that level is you do get fine-tuning or whatever, and with that is now she’s become who she is today.”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
James also made a point to acknowledge Vaquer’s own talent despite defending Morgan’s position, stating,
“It’s not like I disagree with Stephanie either. I think she’s hella talented, either way it’s gonna be a great match depending on who she chooses to go after.”
?Mickie James, Former WWE Star
Support from Other WWE Peers Bolsters Liv Morgan’s Standing
Beyond Mickie James, fellow WWE superstar Big E has also expressed support for Liv Morgan, backing her journey and recognizing the validity of her experiences within WWE and The Judgment Day faction. This ongoing solidarity highlights the respect Morgan has earned among her peers despite recent criticism.
As the WWE community continues to watch the fallout from Vaquer’s comments, the focus now shifts to how Morgan will channel this tension into her upcoming matches, particularly with WrestleMania 42 on the horizon. Whether she seeks to confront Vaquer directly or aims for higher-profile competition, the stakes have clearly been raised.
