Why Raquel Rodriguez Is the Most Underrated Star in WWE

Raquel Rodriguez stands tall at 6 feet, a physical powerhouse who commands attention every time she steps into the ring. Yet, despite her long list of accomplishments, many fans and analysts still overlook her when discussing the top women in WWE. She brings a rare combination of size, strength, technical skill, and resilience that should place her among the elite. Instead, she often plays a supporting role in tag teams or factions. This article explores why Raquel Rodriguez deserves far more recognition than she currently receives.

BIO

A Second-Generation Talent Built for Greatness

Raquel Rodriguez, born Victoria González on January 12, 1991, in La Feria, Texas, comes from wrestling blood. Her father, Ricky “Desperado” Gonzalez, competed professionally, giving her an early understanding of the industry. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, she developed an athletic foundation through sports like basketball and volleyball before transitioning to wrestling.

She signed with WWE in 2016 and trained at the Performance Center. Early on, she competed in the Mae Young Classic under the name Reina González. Those initial appearances showed promise, but it was in NXT where she truly began to shine. The name change to Raquel Rodriguez on the main roster in 2022 marked a new chapter, one defined by dominance and adaptability.

Her presence feels different. At 6’0″ and around 175-180 pounds, she towers over most competitors. This physical advantage allows her to deliver believable power moves that few women can match. Yet she moves with surprising agility, blending brute force with solid in-ring psychology.

Championship Success That Speaks for Itself

Raquel Rodriguez holds a record-setting six WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship reigns, more than any other individual. She first captured the titles with Aliyah in 2022, then formed a highly successful partnership with Liv Morgan that produced multiple reigns. More recently, she teamed with Roxanne Perez to add to her collection.

In NXT, she became the NXT Women’s Champion and held the inaugural NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship twice alongside Dakota Kai. Their victory in the first Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic remains a highlight of her career. These accomplishments demonstrate her reliability as both a singles competitor and tag team specialist.

Her title defenses often feature hard-hitting action and strong storytelling. Whether anchoring a team or stepping into singles competition, Rodriguez consistently delivers. Fans who follow the tag division closely recognize her as the backbone of several championship runs, yet broader WWE programming sometimes buries this fact under flashier storylines.

The Power of Resilience Through Real-Life Challenges

One of the most compelling aspects of Raquel Rodriguez’s story involves her battles outside the ring. In 2024, she dealt with mast cell activation syndrome, a condition causing severe allergic-like reactions, swelling, and other complications. It forced her to miss significant time and required careful management of her diet, environment, and stress levels.

Many wrestlers might have struggled to return at the same level after such a health scare. Rodriguez not only came back stronger but immediately made an impact. Her return at Bad Blood in 2024, assisting Liv Morgan against Rhea Ripley, marked a turning point. She aligned fully with The Judgment Day and established herself as the group’s muscle and protector.

She has also navigated concussions and other injuries, including a notable bump into the steel steps that put her in concussion protocol. Each time, she returned focused and professional. This mental toughness adds depth to her character and makes her success even more impressive.

In-Ring Style and Memorable Performances

Rodriguez’s wrestling style centers on power. Her signature Tejana Bomb finishes matches with authority, and she excels at suplexes, slams, and dominating opponents in the corners. She mixes in strikes and submissions effectively, showing growth over the years.

Some of her standout matches highlight this versatility. She has gone toe-to-toe with Rhea Ripley in physical clashes that played to both women’s strengths. Contests against IYO SKY showcased her ability to adapt to high-flying opponents. Even in losses, such as her recent challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Sol Ruca, she looked strong and competitive.

Critics and fans have praised several of her performances with solid ratings. Matches in tag team action, especially with Liv Morgan or Roxanne Perez, often earn strong reviews for chemistry and execution. Her work in the Judgment Day stable adds layers, as she balances being the enforcer with moments of personality and charisma.

Life in The Judgment Day and Current Role

Joining The Judgment Day elevated Rodriguez’s visibility. The faction, known for its chaotic and dominant presence on Raw, fits her well. With Liv Morgan as Women’s World Champion and Roxanne Perez as a rising star, Rodriguez provides the physical foundation that holds the group together.

She has described the current version of the stable as a strong women’s club with Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh adding balance. This environment allows her to shine in multi-person segments and matches while contributing to ongoing storylines. Recent appearances include high-profile challenges and post-match brawls that reinforce her intimidating presence.

Despite this, some observers argue that her role remains somewhat limited. She excels as a supporting player, but a sustained singles push could unlock even greater potential. Her 2026 efforts, including Queen of the Ring tournament appearances and title contention, show WWE testing those waters.

Why the Underrated Label Fits Perfectly

Several factors contribute to Raquel Rodriguez being underrated. First, the women’s division features many charismatic talkers and high-flyers who naturally draw attention. Her strength-based style, while highly effective, sometimes gets overshadowed in a highlight-reel era.

Second, booking decisions often position her in tag teams or as an enforcer rather than the central figure. This consistency makes her valuable to producers but less likely to generate mainstream buzz. Third, injuries and health issues, while handled professionally, interrupted momentum at key times.

Compare her to peers with similar tenure. Many have enjoyed longer singles title reigns or more prominent merchandise pushes. Rodriguez’s record tag title count and NXT success should place her higher in conversations about all-time greats in the women’s division. Her dependability becomes both her greatest strength and the reason she flies under the radar.

Fan discussions on social media and forums often highlight this disconnect. Those who watch weekly recognize her contributions, but casual viewers might only see her as “the big woman in Judgment Day.”

Looking Ahead: Untapped Potential

At this stage in her career, Raquel Rodriguez has plenty left to achieve. A full singles run aimed at a major title could define the next phase. Storylines involving a split from Judgment Day or a leadership role within the group offer intriguing possibilities.

Her marketability extends beyond the ring. As a Texas native with a compelling backstory, she connects with diverse audiences. Improved promos and character development could help her break through to the next level of stardom.

Recent matches, like her strong showing against Maxxine Dupri or participation in multi-woman bouts, demonstrate continued improvement. She adapts to different opponents and remains a believable threat in any matchup.

WWE has a history of elevating reliable performers when the timing feels right. For Rodriguez, that moment may be approaching. Whether she captures singles gold or continues elevating the tag division, her contributions deserve celebration.

The Case for Greater Recognition

Raquel Rodriguez embodies what makes WWE special: real athletic talent combined with perseverance through challenges. She has won titles at every level, overcome health obstacles, and carved out a respected role in one of the most dominant factions on the roster.

The “underrated” label fits because her body of work exceeds her current spotlight. Fans who dive deeper into her matches and journey often come away impressed by her consistency and growth. As the women’s division evolves, Rodriguez stands ready to play a bigger part.

She may not always be the loudest voice or the flashiest performer, but she delivers night after night. That quiet excellence is exactly why she ranks among the most valuable and underrated stars in WWE today. The next chapter of her career could finally showcase the full extent of her abilities, and wrestling fans should pay close attention.

If He Wanted To He Would: How to Know If He’s Truly Interested

FAQs

Who is Raquel Rodriguez in WWE?

Raquel Rodriguez, whose real name is Victoria González, is a 6-foot-tall powerhouse from Texas currently performing on Raw as a key member of The Judgment Day. A second-generation wrestler, she stands out for her strength, multiple tag team title reigns, and resilience both in and out of the ring.

How many championships has Raquel Rodriguez won?

She is a record six-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion and a former NXT Women’s Champion. She also held the inaugural NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship twice with Dakota Kai, making her one of the most decorated competitors in the women’s tag division.

Why is Raquel Rodriguez considered underrated?

Despite her impressive physical presence, championship success, and consistent performances, she often plays a supporting role in factions and tag teams. This reliability keeps her valuable to WWE but sometimes prevents her from receiving the solo spotlight many believe she deserves.

What health challenges has Raquel Rodriguez overcome?

Rodriguez has battled mast cell activation syndrome, which caused her to miss time in 2024, along with concussions from in-ring bumps. Her successful returns highlight her mental toughness and dedication to the sport.

What does the future hold for Raquel Rodriguez?

With her strong presence in The Judgment Day and recent title contention matches, many fans hope for a major singles push. Her experience and growing momentum position her well for bigger opportunities in the coming years.