victoria Reveals ⁣She Was Forced to Change in a Janitor’s Closet During Early WWE Days

former WWE Women’s Champion Lisa Marie⁣ Varon, known to fans as Victoria, recently shared⁢ a heartbreaking story from her early days with the company, detailing⁣ a antagonistic surroundings and being ostracized by fellow female wrestlers.‍ In an exclusive interview on WrestlingNews.co’s “The Velvet Ropes with SoCal Val,” Varon recounted being removed from the women’s locker room and forced to change in a janitor’s closet.⁤ This experience, while painful, ultimately shaped her approach to welcoming new talent throughout her career.

A Arduous Transition to the WWE Roster

Varon’s challenging introduction to WWE occurred shortly after transitioning from her role⁢ as⁤ one of The Godfather’s associates to a fully contracted in-ring performer.This⁢ change in status wasn’t instantly known to the rest of the ⁢women’s roster, leading to a deeply uncomfortable situation.

“I rolled my stuff in the locker room…⁣ and I came back after going to go say hi to everybody… and my stuff was ‍out,” Varon recalled. “And one of the girls came out and saeid, ‘Hey, this is for contracted girls only.'” This blunt rejection left Varon reeling, forcing her to confront a harsh⁣ reality in⁢ a new and intimidating environment. ⁣She described the ⁣internal struggle, urging herself to “Be strong. Be strong.⁤ Be strong.” before quietly retrieving her belongings.

The Humiliation of a Janitor’s closet

Left with nowhere else to go, Varon‍ was forced to change in a janitor’s closet. This‍ experience wasn’t just about the lack ⁢of privacy or comfort; it was ⁤a stark symbol of exclusion and a difficult initiation into the world of professional wrestling. it highlighted a clear ⁤divide between established talent and newcomers trying to find their footing.The incident understandably ⁤left ⁢a lasting impression on varon, demonstrating the sometimes-brutal realities of the wrestling business. It ‍underscored the importance of a supportive environment,something she felt was sorely lacking at that moment.

Understanding the Hostility: Theft and ⁢Mistrust

Varon later discovered‍ the reasoning behind the unwelcoming behavior, though the description wasn’t offered to her directly at the time. A history of theft within the women’s locker room had created an atmosphere ⁤of mistrust.

“I found out later, some of the Godfather girls that were brought in were⁤ from strip ⁣clubs, and they would come back and things were stolen ⁣from their luggage or their purse,” she explained.While she understood the concern, ⁣Varon ⁤lamented the lack of ⁣communication.”But that wasn’t explained ⁣to me… I wish ⁢it was explained to me… I wouldn’t have said anything.” A simple conversation coudl have‍ prevented the humiliation and misunderstanding.

Ivory: A Guiding ⁣Light and Mentor

Amidst the⁤ negativity, varon found an invaluable ally in WWE Hall of Famer ivory (Lisa⁤ Moretti). ⁢Ivory took Varon under her wing, offering guidance and support as‍ she navigated the complexities of life on the road.

“Ivory… she took me under her wing and⁢ like, ‘Hey, do you want me to travel with you? You⁤ guys ⁣don’t know where to go eat and, like, check in, like how the road works,'” Varon remembered fondly. Ivory’s willingness to share her knowledge ⁣and⁤ experience ⁤proved crucial to⁣ Varon’s success. “And she… rode with us… without her, like that woman, right? Is super crucial, to.” Ivory’s mentorship extended beyond just logistical help; she provided a much-needed sense of belonging and ⁤encouragement.

Paying It Forward: A Legacy of Kindness

The contrasting experiences – the initial rejection and Ivory’s unwavering support – profoundly impacted ⁤Varon’s ‍approach to new talent throughout her career. She made a conscious decision ‍to create a welcoming environment for those following in her footsteps.

“I learned ⁢from her that every new girl that came in, ‘would you like to ride with me?'” she said. “I don’t care if they’re there for a⁣ day… we can become friends for life.” Varon actively sought out newcomers, offering companionship and guidance, ensuring they didn’t experience the same isolation she had. This commitment to kindness and inclusivity ⁢became a hallmark of her career.

Varon’s story serves as a⁢ powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and support within the frequently enough-cutthroat world of professional wrestling. her experience highlights the lasting impact a