Rising WWE star Lola Vice‘s journey from MMA to NXT has taken the wrestling world by storm, as the Cuban-American athlete ascends rapidly in NXT, blending her combat background and vibrant Miami roots. Making headlines for her fierce style and remarkable story, Vice has become an inspiration for fans, drawing attention to her unique entry into professional wrestling and her family’s martial arts legacy.
From the Cage to the Ring: Vice’s Dynamic Rise in NXT
Lola Vice, who first established herself as a fierce competitor in Bellator MMA, has transitioned seamlessly into the WWE universe, quickly distinguishing herself on the NXT roster. Known for her striking abilities and bold presentation, Vice stands out due to her athleticism, which is evident every time she steps into the ring. Her impact was cemented when she captured victory in the 2023 NXT Breakout Tournament. The Miami native’s star continued to rise in Spring Breakin’ 2024 Week Two, when the 26-year-old defeated veteran Natalya in an intense NXT Underground Match, showcasing her versatility and determination.
An Origin Rooted in Martial Arts and Family Tradition
One particularly poetic detail about Lola Vice’s beginnings highlights the depth of her connection to martial arts. Her mother participated in a black belt test for Taekwondo while pregnant with Vice, demonstrating a lineage of strength that runs in the family.
”My mom was pregnant with me during her black belt test. I love you, Mom; I’m making it for us! I will give you the world,” she wrote. —The Latina of Vice City, WWE Superstar
This connection to her mother’s martial arts journey has provided a powerful explanation for Vice’s own athletic excellence and passion for combat sports, making her story resonate even more with fans looking for role models with genuine depth.
A Fan’s Leap: How WrestleMania Led to a WWE Contract
Unlike most combat athletes, Vice’s WWE story began in the stands rather than the ring. In 2022, she traveled to WrestleMania 38 in Dallas as a fan and, inspired by the event, decided to participate in a WWE tryout held during the same weekend. Her performance impressed WWE officials, leading to her signing with the company in August 2022. This non-traditional path demonstrates the organization’s openness to discovering talent in unexpected ways, turning a devoted audience member into one of its fastest-rising stars.
Private Life and Low-Profile Relationships
Lola Vice has deliberately kept her personal life guarded from public scrutiny. At one point, she was briefly rumored to be dating NFL wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, following his social media post that highlighted Vice’s victorious moment in Bellator. The speculation remained subtle, with the two maintaining privacy and limited public interaction. Instead, Vice channels her social media activity toward her NXT persona, sharing behind-the-scenes TikToks and updates strictly about her professional growth, reinforcing her focus on the sport and her ambitions within WWE and NXT.
The Story behind the Name: Representing Identity and Heritage
While fans know her as Lola Vice in the wrestling arena, her real name is Valerie Loureda. She selected “Lola Vice” carefully, ensuring it reflects her heritage and personal journey. The name “Lola” has meaning rooted in her childhood, named after a family friend closely linked to her upbringing. The “Vice” portion pays homage to the iconic Miami Vice, spotlighting her pride in her hometown and Cuban-American culture. In fact, Lola Vice broke new ground as the first Cuban-American woman to sign with WWE, making her achievements historic for both the sport and her community. Fluent in Spanish, she maintains strong links to Miami and her roots, especially with NXT’s base being in Florida, allowing her to remain connected to home while advancing in her career.
A Family Steeped in Combat Sports Excellence
Vice’s upbringing was profoundly shaped by her family’s passion for martial arts and competition. Her father, who operates Master Frank’s Taekwondo Academy in Miami, introduced combat sports to his daughters from a young age, laying the foundation for their athletic pursuits. The family’s legacy continues with Vice’s younger sister, Natalie, who has stepped into the realm of combat sports and built a presence outside the ring as well. Natalie’s podcast, “Rolling with the Punches,” offers candid discussions on combat sports and personal journeys, with Lola Vice appearing as a guest to share her unique perspective. These heartfelt family bonds, combined with their ongoing dedication to martial arts, have ensured that the Vice family remains a dynamic force both inside and outside the ring.
Lola Vice’s Impact and What’s Ahead
Through her commitment, individuality, and relentless drive, Lola Vice has established herself as more than just a rising star—she represents a new wave of talent guided by diverse backgrounds and relentless ambition. Her journey from audience member to NXT standout is both unconventional and inspiring, and her Cuban-American heritage adds depth to her persona within WWE. As she continues her ascent, Vice’s story exemplifies the opportunities that exist within NXT and WWE for talented competitors from all walks of life, ensuring that fans and aspiring athletes alike will follow her next steps with anticipation.
