Raquel Diaz, known off-screen as Shaul Guerrero, began her wrestling journey with WWE’s developmental program in 2010. Her tenure, which lasted four years, was filled with personal challenges and a deep connection to her family’s illustrious wrestling legacy. Recently, Guerrero appeared on the “Developmentally Speaking” podcast, where she reminisced about her WWE experience and the pressures and privileges of being the daughter of wrestling legends Eddie and Vickie Guerrero.
Discovering the Magic of Wrestling
Reflecting on her early days, Guerrero candidly shared her childhood insecurities and the transformative moment she found her calling in wrestling. “When I was a kid, just like many of us I’m sure, you think you’re the ugly duckling and not good enough,” Guerrero admitted. “Watching what my dad did, he was just so tough and so beyond great. I never thought I could be good enough to even step foot in the ring. But it wasn’t until I came into my own and I took my first bump, which was within the FCW developmental ring, that I was like, ‘Oh, I get it. I get how addicting it can be. I get the draw and the magic of wrestling.'”
The Guerrero Legacy: A Blessing and a Challenge
The weight of the Guerrero name brought both advantages and heightened expectations. Guerrero acknowledged that her father’s legacy made some aspects of her career more challenging, but it also opened doors within FCW, where many coaches had known her since childhood. “I knew that there would be a high standard for me in the industry based on who my father was,” she said. “That made some things tougher for me, but I didn’t deny that I experienced benefits in FCW from my father being who he was.”
Earning the Guerrero Name
Upon signing with WWE, Guerrero faced an unexpected hurdle: she was given a stage name instead of her famous surname. The company wanted her to prove herself worthy of the Guerrero name. “I guess I assumed I would be Guerrero, because everyone told me I’d be Guerrero,” she continued. “They were like, ‘No, you gotta earn it.’ And I understand that. I truly do, I think just from the Guerrero mentality that I grew up with.”
Guerrero’s journey to earn her name was a reflection of her father’s ethos—a commitment to hard work and excellence. Despite the initial disappointment, she embraced the challenge, determined to honor her family’s legacy through her own merits.
The Personal Struggles and Departure from WWE
Guerrero’s time in WWE was not without personal struggles. In 2014, she made the difficult decision to leave the company for personal reasons. Despite her departure, her passion for wrestling and the lessons she learned from her time in WWE continue to shape her life and career.
“I had to take a step back and focus on my mental health and personal growth,” Guerrero explained. “It was a tough decision, but necessary for me at the time. Wrestling will always be a part of me, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I had.”
A Legacy Continued
While Guerrero’s wrestling career took a different path than she initially envisioned, her story is a testament to the enduring power of the Guerrero legacy. She continues to find her place in the wrestling world, not just as Eddie and Vickie’s daughter, but as a performer who has carved out her own identity and earned her spot through dedication and resilience.
Stephen’s Insight
Raquel Diaz’s journey through WWE and her quest to earn the Guerrero name highlight the unique challenges faced by second-generation wrestlers. Her story is a powerful reminder of the blend of privilege and pressure that comes with carrying a legendary surname. As Guerrero continues to navigate her career, she stands as an inspiring figure for aspiring wrestlers, proving that dedication and hard work can pave the way to success, even when the path is steeped in legacy.
