Stephanie Vaquer, a popular WWE Superstar, recently opened up about a challenging period early in her wrestling career when she had to live in a kitchen for six months while recovering from an injury. Vaquer, currently performing on WWE RAW after her promotion from NXT, shared details about the ordeal in an interview highlighting her difficult Stephanie Vaquer injury recovery.
Early Injury and Unconventional Recovery Circumstances
In a detailed conversation with Chris Van Vliet on the Insight podcast, Vaquer explained that she suffered an orbital bone injury which forced her to pause wrestling and focus on healing. At the time, she was working in a restaurant, and with her injury making daily life difficult, Vaquer asked her employer if she could sleep in the kitchen to aid her recovery process.
“I worked in a restaurant, and I talked with a boss and said, Can I sleep in the kitchen? And he said yes. I slept in the kitchen for almost six months, and recovery and waiting for my bone to finally heal and start training again. So really hard time in my life,” she said. [H/T: Insight with Chris Van Vliet]
This six-month period of living in the restaurant’s kitchen was a strenuous chapter in Vaquer’s life, illustrating the physical and emotional struggles she endured to recover and eventually return to training.
Recent Career Progress and Championship Contention
Now 32 years old, Stephanie Vaquer made headlines by winning a Battle Royal at WWE Evolution 2025, securing her position as the number one contender for the Women’s World Championship. She was initially set to challenge Naomi, the reigning champion, but Naomi relinquished her title due to pregnancy. As a result, Vaquer will face IYO SKY for the vacant championship this Saturday at Wrestlepalooza.
Criticism from Former WWE Writer Vince Russo
Despite her in-ring success, Vaquer has faced criticism regarding her promo skills from former WWE writer Vince Russo. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW show earlier this year, Russo expressed skepticism about her microphone abilities and questioned why she was given speaking opportunities on WWE programming.
“Why are you giving her a microphone? She’s awful, bro. She’s absolutely awful. So, you need to either pre-tape this during the day about 20 times until it gets better and better or don’t freaking air it. Talent should not look this bad on the show. This is exactly what I’m talking about when I say these are not pros. If you want to say Stephanie Vaquer is a great freaking worker and great wrestler, go ahead. I literally could care less about her work. Everybody’s a great freaking wrestler,” he said.
Russo’s harsh commentary highlights ongoing debates within WWE concerning how talent are showcased on television, especially those transitioning from NXT to the main roster.
Looking Ahead to Wrestlepalooza and Vaquer’s Prospects
The upcoming match at Wrestlepalooza represents a significant milestone in Stephanie Vaquer’s career. Her ability to contend for the vacant Women’s World Championship not only tests her in-ring skills but also her resilience amid criticism and past hardships. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if she can secure the title and further establish herself among WWE’s top performers.
