On the February 16 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Stephanie Vaquer, performing as La Primera, interrupted Liv Morgan’s backstage interview with Michael Cole and delivered a harsh promo aimed at Morgan. During her speech, Vaquer made a statement claiming that
“wrestling does not exist in Chile,”
sparking immediate backlash from fans who viewed the comment as disrespectful to Chile and its wrestling community. This remark gained widespread attention on social media and among wrestling enthusiasts, prompting responses from various Chilean wrestlers and viewers.
Vaquer Issues Public Apology to Chilean Fans and Wrestlers
Following the outcry, Stephanie Vaquer addressed the controversy by posting an apology on her Instagram story. She clarified that her earlier statement was a mistake and described it as an unintentional slip of the tongue on live television. Vaquer expressed regret for the offense caused and acknowledged the existence and talent present in Chile’s wrestling scene.
“Today, I made a mistake when I said, ‘Wrestling doesn’t exist in Chile.’ It does exist, and we have excellent wrestlers and a great deal of talent. What I meant to say is that it didn’t exist when I emigrated from my country; at that time, professional wrestling wasn’t developed in Chile.It was a slip of the tongue on live television. I sincerely apologize and send a huge hug to all the Chilean wrestlers who, through hard work and dedication, have made wrestling in Chile a reality today. My respects and sincere apologies.” – Stephanie Vaquer, WWE Wrestler
She emphasized that wrestling in Chile was underdeveloped at the time she left the country, but today many Chilean wrestlers have worked hard to establish and grow the industry. Her apology was heartfelt and directed toward both fans and athletes of Chilean descent, aiming to repair the damage created by the initial comment.
Context of the Controversial Promo During WWE Raw
Vaquer’s promo came during a heated moment on WWE Raw, where such intense verbal sparring is common as part of the storytelling. As La Primera, she targeted Liv Morgan’s credibility and reputation as a wrestler, which led to her controversial reference about Chile. While this is typical of wrestling promos designed to generate excitement and rivalries, Vaquer’s specific wording on Chilean wrestling crossed a line for many viewers.
Broader WWE Highlights From the Week
The same week on WWE Raw, other notable events occurred that captured fans’ attention. Logan Paul revealed which WWE Hall of Famer he has been studying to improve his craft, further elevating his profile in wrestling circles. Additionally, Adam Pearce experienced a surprising moment when he received a mysterious delivery during the opening segment of the show.
Meanwhile, a former WWE manager opened up about being categorized in a protected group of performers who couldn’t be injured by others backstage, providing insight into WWE’s backstage culture. On a different note, Bronson Reed was announced for a major match scheduled for the following week’s Raw episode, creating anticipation among fans.
Wrestling veterans like Kurt Angle shared their concerns about backstage reactions following key WrestleMania matches, which sheds light on the pressures wrestlers face behind the scenes. In the women’s division, Bayley hinted at possible changes with her current WWE partner, suggesting a potential shift in their storyline.
Lastly, an AEW star who had been absent from the company for a significant time revealed details about their time away, while a three-time WWE Champion made a long-awaited return to Monday Night Raw after an 85-day hiatus. These developments added to the dynamic and evolving landscape of WWE programming that week.
Significance of Vaquer’s Apology and Its Impact
Stephanie Vaquer’s apology highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness, especially when speaking about one’s own country in a highly visible international platform like WWE. Her quick recognition of the error and open expression of regret could help mend relations with Chilean fans and wrestlers, preserving her standing within the wrestling community.
This incident also serves as a reminder of how live broadcasts require performers to be cautious with their words, as slip-ups can quickly escalate into major controversies. Moving forward, Vaquer’s case could encourage WWE talent to exercise greater care when addressing their heritage and backgrounds during promos.
As WWE continues to expand globally, acknowledging the growth and contributions of wrestling scenes in countries like Chile will be essential to maintaining respect and support from diverse audiences. Fans can expect Vaquer and other superstars to navigate these dynamics thoughtfully while fueling the competitive storylines WWE is known for.
