As a lifelong wrestling fan, I’ve always been captivated by athletes who combine raw power with heartfelt stories. Raquel Rodriguez, with her 6-foot frame and unyielding spirit, is one such force. From her Texas roots to her dominance in WWE, her journey is a blend of triumphs, challenges, and resilience. In this 2025 biography, I’ll take you through Raquel’s life, weaving in personal insights, rare facts, and the latest updates. Let’s step into the ring with the woman redefining strength in wrestling.
Early Life: A Texan Trailblazer
Roots in La Feria
Born Victoria González on January 12, 1991, in La Feria, Texas, Raquel grew up in a close-knit Mexican-American family. Her father, Rick “Desperado” González, was a wrestler, sparking her love for the sport. As a child, she idolized WWE legends like Madusa and Lita, dreaming of the squared circle.
Basketball Beginnings
Raquel’s athleticism shone early. She played basketball at Texas A&M–Kingsville on a scholarship, later transferring to Sam Houston State University. Her height and strength made her a standout, but wrestling called louder. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, a skill she later used in promos.
Table: Raquel Rodriguez’s Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victoria González |
| Ring Name | Raquel Rodriguez |
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | La Feria, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American (Mexican descent) |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 178 lbs (81 kg) |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Mass Communication, Sam Houston State University |
| Father | Rick “Desperado” González (wrestler) |
| Relationship Status | Single (previously dated Braun Strowman, ended August 2023) |
Her billed height is 6 feet (183 cm), and her billed weight is 178 lbs (81 kg). Specific body measurements like bust, waist, or hip sizes are not consistently documented in reliable sources, but her athletic and muscular physique is noted for contributing to her dominant presence in the ring.
Stepping into Wrestling
Independent Circuit Debut
Raquel’s wrestling journey began in June 2016 at River City Wrestling. Teaming with Claudia del Solis, she faced Baby D and Delilah Doom. Her raw power caught attention, leading to a WWE tryout. She trained at America’s Academy of Pro Wrestling, honing her craft.
WWE Signing
In October 2016, Raquel signed with WWE, reporting to the Performance Center. Her debut came in January 2017 at an NXT live event, competing in a 12-woman battle royal. Initially using her real name, she became Reina González in late 2017, marking her early heel persona.
NXT: Building a Legacy
Mae Young Classic
Raquel’s first big break was the 2017 Mae Young Classic. As Reina González, she faced Nicole Savoy but lost in the first round. She returned in 2018, only to be eliminated by Kacy Catanzaro. These setbacks fueled her growth, shaping her into a powerhouse.
Rise as Raquel González
In February 2020, she debuted as Raquel González at NXT TakeOver: Portland, aiding Dakota Kai in a street fight. This heel turn marked her ascent. Her alliance with Kai led to the inaugural Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic win in 2021, a career-defining moment.
NXT Championships
Raquel’s dominance peaked in 2021. She and Kai became the first NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, though their reign lasted 56 minutes. On April 7, 2021, at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver, she defeated Io Shirai to win the NXT Women’s Championship, holding it for 202 days.
Main Roster: Raquel Rodriguez Emerges
SmackDown Debut
In April 2022, Raquel debuted on SmackDown as Raquel Rodriguez, a name change criticized by fans for its redundancy. Her Tejana Bomb (formerly Chingona Bomb) became her signature. She quickly made an impact, feuding with stars like Ronda Rousey.
Tag Team Success
Raquel’s main roster highlight was winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Aliyah in 2022, followed by three reigns with Liv Morgan. Their chemistry shone, especially at WrestleMania 39. In 2023, both were drafted to Raw, solidifying her main roster status.
Joining The Judgment Day
After a hiatus, Raquel returned at Bad Blood 2024, turning heel by attacking Rhea Ripley to help Liv Morgan retain the Women’s World Championship. Joining The Judgment Day, she embraced a darker persona, aligning with Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, and others.
Awards and Accolades
Championship Reigns
Raquel’s trophy case is impressive. She’s a one-time NXT Women’s Champion, two-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, and four-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (one with Aliyah, three with Liv Morgan). Her 2021 Dusty Rhodes Classic win remains a highlight.
Rankings and Recognition
In 2021, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked her #10 among the top 150 female wrestlers. Her peers, like Ricardo Rodriguez, have praised her potential, comparing her to Diesel for her commanding presence. Fans call her “Big Mami Cool” for her charisma.
Table: Raquel Rodriguez’s Major Awards
| Year | Award/Championship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NXT Women’s Championship | Defeated Io Shirai |
| 2021 | NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship (2x) | With Dakota Kai |
| 2021 | Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic | With Dakota Kai |
| 2022 | WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship | With Aliyah |
| 2023–2025 | WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (3x) | With Liv Morgan |
| 2021 | PWI Women’s 150 | Ranked #10 |
Health Struggles: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Diagnosis and Impact
In December 2023, Raquel revealed her diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a rare condition causing swelling, hives, and low blood pressure. Her symptoms, particularly facial swelling, sidelined her from wrestling, impacting her confidence and mental health.
Wrestling Through Pain
Despite MCAS flare-ups, Raquel competed in the 2024 Elimination Chamber match, choosing to wrestle without makeup to embrace her condition. She took a hiatus post-February 2024, focusing on treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy. Her resilience inspired fans worldwide.
Table: Raquel Rodriguez’s Health Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 2023 | Diagnosed with MCAS, took hiatus |
| Feb 2024 | Returned for Elimination Chamber, competed without makeup |
| Feb 2024 | Last match on Raw vs. Chelsea Green, moved to inactive roster |
| Oct 2024 | Returned at Bad Blood, joined The Judgment Day |
Controversies and Challenges
Name Change Backlash
Raquel’s 2022 name change from González to Rodriguez sparked controversy. Fans and critics called it unnecessary, arguing it diluted her cultural identity. WWE’s decision to rename her finishing move from Chingona Bomb to Tejana Bomb, citing vulgarity, further fueled debates.
Judgment Day Booking
Her 2024 heel turn and Judgment Day alignment drew mixed reactions. Some fans felt her attack on Rhea Ripley at Bad Blood was poorly executed, with a botched ending. Others criticized her and Liv Morgan’s booking as cowardly heels, clashing with her powerhouse persona.
Short Title Reigns
Raquel’s NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship reigns (56 minutes and three days) are among WWE’s shortest. While some saw this as mismanagement, others viewed it as a testament to her ability to shine despite limited opportunities.
Rare Facts About Raquel Rodriguez
Basketball Scholarship
Unlike many wrestlers, Raquel didn’t wrestle in high school. Her basketball prowess earned her a scholarship, a rare path for a WWE star. She likened basketball’s demanding schedule to wrestling, crediting it for her endurance.
Second-Generation Star
Raquel’s father, Rick González, wrestled in Texas’ indie scene. She kept her wrestling ambitions secret until after college, surprising him with her career choice. His influence shaped her work ethic and love for the craft.
Harley-Davidson Owner
Raquel owns a Harley-Davidson worth over $30,000, reflecting her bold personality. She often shares her love for motorcycles on social media, connecting with fans over her adventurous side.
Personal Life: Love and Resilience
Relationship with Braun Strowman
Raquel dated WWE star Braun Strowman for several years, going public in 2022. They trained together, with Strowman helping her refine her in-ring character. Their relationship ended in August 2023, with Raquel focusing on her career and health.
Family Support
After her MCAS diagnosis, Raquel moved back to Texas, relying on her family’s support. Her parents, Rick and Lucy González, have been her rock, attending her matches and cheering her on through challenges.
Table: Raquel Rodriguez’s Family and Relationships
| Family Member/Relationship | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Rick “Desperado” González (wrestler) |
| Mother | Lucy González |
| Ex-Boyfriend | Braun Strowman (ended August 2023) |
| Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
Social Media Presence
Raquel engages fans on Instagram (@raquelwwe), where she has over 556,000 followers. She shares workout tips, wrestling highlights, and personal updates, like her MCAS journey. Her Twitter (@RaquelWWE) offers match promos and fan interactions, though she’s less active there. Her openness about health struggles has built a loyal fanbase.
2025 Career Updates
Tag Team Ambitions
In 2025, Raquel and Liv Morgan aim to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Their February 17, 2025, Raw match against Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill was a highlight, praised as one of the best women’s tag title matches in recent history.
Singles Aspirations
Raquel has her eyes on singles gold, targeting the Intercontinental or U.S. Championship. Her February 2025 Royal Rumble appearance, entering at #26, showed her hunger, though she was eliminated by Nia Jax. She also faced Roxanne Perez for an Elimination Chamber qualifier.
Table: Raquel Rodriguez’s 2025 Matches
| Date | Event/Match | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2025 | Women’s Royal Rumble (#26) | Eliminated by Nia Jax |
| Feb 17, 2025 | Raw: vs. Roxanne Perez (Elimination Chamber Qualifier) | Loss |
| Feb 24, 2025 | Raw: with Liv Morgan vs. Belair/Cargill | Loss (Tag Team Title Match) |
Legacy and Influence
Redefining Strength
Raquel’s size and power challenge stereotypes in women’s wrestling. Her Tejana Bomb and commanding presence draw comparisons to legends like Chyna. She’s inspired a new generation of tall, strong women to pursue wrestling.
Cultural Impact
As a Mexican-American, Raquel brings diversity to WWE. Her heritage shines in her promos and style, resonating with Latinx fans. Her openness about MCAS has raised awareness, making her a role model beyond the ring.
FAQs About Raquel Rodriguez
What is Raquel Rodriguez’s finishing move?
Her signature move is the Tejana Bomb, a one-arm powerbomb previously called the Chingona Bomb in NXT, renamed for the main roster.
Why was Raquel Rodriguez absent in 2024?
She took a hiatus due to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which caused swelling and other symptoms, sidelining her from February to October 2024.
How many championships has Raquel Rodriguez won?
Raquel has won seven titles: one NXT Women’s Championship, two NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships, and four WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
Is Raquel Rodriguez still with Braun Strowman?
No, Raquel and Braun Strowman ended their relationship in August 2023. She is currently single, focusing on her wrestling career.
What is Raquel Rodriguez’s net worth?
As of 2023, her net worth is estimated at $700,000, including her $200,000 WWE salary and merchandise sales.
Future Prospects
Championship Goals
Raquel’s 2025 focus is dual: reclaiming tag team gold with Liv Morgan and pursuing singles titles. Her versatility positions her for a potential WrestleMania 41 spotlight, possibly challenging for the Women’s World Championship.
Health and Longevity
Managing MCAS remains key. With ongoing treatments, Raquel aims to stay active, potentially transitioning to a trainer role at the Performance Center if health challenges persist. Her determination ensures she’ll remain a WWE staple.
Conclusion
Raquel Rodriguez’s journey is one of power, perseverance, and heart. From her Texas upbringing to her WWE dominance, she’s shattered barriers while facing personal and professional challenges. Her health struggles, controversies, and rare facts reveal a woman who’s more than her 6-foot frame. As she charges toward new milestones in 2025, Raquel’s legacy as a trailblazer grows. She’s not just a wrestler—she’s a symbol of strength and authenticity, inspiring fans to embrace their own battles.