Stephanie Vaquer, now a rising star in WWE, recently opened up about the challenging circumstances she faced growing up in Chile. The 32-year-old has steadily gained popularity on the WWE roster and is set to compete for the Women’s World Championship at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event.
Before Vaquer’s wrestling career began, opportunities were scarce, and she had to rely on creative means to pursue her dreams. During a conversation on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast, Vaquer shared a poignant story from her youth about selling hotdogs in her neighborhood just to afford a ticket to see Rey Mysterio, one of her biggest inspirations in wrestling.
Determined Effort to See Rey Mysterio at Age 12
Vaquer recounted how, when WWE first arrived in Chile, her desire to watch a live event was met with financial obstacles. From a small town, she needed to travel to the capital city, which involved costs her family struggled to cover. Undeterred, she began selling hotdogs locally to save money for the ticket.
“I think I was 12, and WWE was in Chile for the first time. I talked with my sister, and I said, I really want to go. My sister said we don’t have money, so I talked with my parents and they said, ‘No, we don’t have money.’ We need to buy the ticket and go to the capital, because small town. So I started to sell hot dogs in my neighborhood. When I take all the money and save the money for that ticket. I cry like for three days. I cry a lot and say, ‘No, I really want to go and see Rey Mysterio.’ I’m big fan, and I remember three days after WWE say, ‘Okay, we have a new day, but one day before that show.’ So I buy the ticket and I go and I see Rey Mysterio, but the cheaper ticket. Now I talk with Rey Mysterio, and I say, yeah, when I was 12, and now I can talk with Rey Mysterio. I’m a big fan, he’s amazing. He made me believe you can take your dream and really do it.”
This story illustrates how Vaquer’s passion and persistence fueled her early ambition, ultimately inspiring her to chase a wrestling career.
Vaquer’s Ambitions Include Dream Matches Against Top Stars
On the same podcast, Stephanie Vaquer spoke about who she would love to face in a dream wrestling bout. She mentioned two standout performers from different parts of the world, highlighting her respect for their skill and presence.
“One-on-one with Asuka. I really want because it’s not been one-on-one. Asuka or Rhea, Mami versus Mamacita.”
Vaquer’s aspirations are reflected in her upcoming matches as she recently teamed with Rhea Ripley at NXT Homecoming and is scheduled to face Iyo Sky, a compatriot of Asuka, at Wrestlepalooza for the vacant Women’s World Championship. These matchups signify important milestones in Vaquer’s WWE journey and her growing stature within the company.
Additional WWE and Wrestling Industry Updates
Several other notable stories are unfolding in the wrestling world alongside Stephanie Vaquer’s rise. Liv Morgan is currently in rehabilitation following a shoulder injury sustained in June 2025, delaying her WWE return.
Meanwhile, WWE is reportedly considering the reunion of a famous tag team whose members debuted just months apart in 2025 but currently work for different brands.
In response to WWE’s aggressive programming strategies, an AEW champion recently commented on the company’s efforts to counter AEW’s shows, signaling ongoing rivalry and competitive dynamics in the wrestling landscape.
Stone Cold Steve Austin has been linked to a potential high-profile match against a former WWE Champion at WrestleMania 43, adding intrigue to the event’s card.
A WWE Hall of Famer has shared theories on the surprise departure of Andrade from the company, shedding light on behind-the-scenes issues that might have influenced his exit.
Additionally, a 25-year-old former WWE star is currently on a reduced wrestling schedule while awaiting a liver transplant, highlighting the physical toll wrestling takes on performers.
Matt Hardy has expressed interest in dancing with an underrated WWE tag team, demonstrating his ongoing involvement in the industry’s entertainment aspects.
Andrade recently made his first public comments since leaving WWE, ending a period of silence after his controversial exit.
Why Stephanie Vaquer’s Story Resonates
Stephanie Vaquer’s path from selling hotdogs to afford a wrestling event ticket to becoming a contender for the Women’s World Championship embodies determination and resilience. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams despite financial and social challenges. Facing Iyo Sky at Wrestlepalooza represents a significant step in her career, likely opening doors for further success in WWE. As she continues to rise, her journey remains a source of inspiration, proving how passion and hard work can transform aspirations into reality.
