WWE Superstar Raquel Rodriguez just got real about a deeply personal health battle thats been affecting her inside and outside the ring.
During a sit-down on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Rodriguez revealed shes been struggling with a severe illness that doctors believe might be Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)and it nearly took everything from her.
So I never really got a full diagnosis to be honest with you, she shared. They said it was mast cell activation syndrome, but I got tested and that didnt come out positive. MCAS, which causes the body to react with random allergic responses, even to things you were never allergic to before, sent Rodriguez into a downward spiralphysically and mentally.
At first, she thought it might be a reaction to makeup after noticing eczema on her face. But things spiraled fast. Your body is just so confused now you just have a sensitive nervous system, and your body is just reacting to anything, like auto-immune, she explained.
Rodriguez described the terrifying unpredictability of the illness. Its a puzzle. Im still trying to figure it out I think I have a little bit of mast cell, even though I wasnt tested for it my body just reacts at random times. That chaos turned into isolation. A year ago I was swelling up. It was to the point where I was unrecognizable to myself, she admitted. I avoided mirrors. I avoided cameras. I avoided phones I was just in such a dark place physically taking such a big toll on me mentally.
It wasnt just the physical painRodriguez thought her career was slipping away. Competing at WWE Elimination Chamber while battling symptoms pushed her to a breaking point. I just started bawling again because I remember being in that moment face swollen having to take a steroid shot I just felt weak. I just felt so helpless and so weak deep down, it was really, really hard for me.
Still, she found strength in the people around herespecially her niece and close friends like Liv Morgan. My six-year-old niece is praying for God to take the redness away Liv constantly checking on me Just really, really amazing people but it was something I had to get through by myself, for sure.
Rodriguez kept her mindset forward-facing. I told myself I cannot stay here this isnt forever. I have to tell myself that its gonna get better. And despite everything, shes still standingfighting her way back both personally and professionally.
Rodriguezs story is a reminder that even the toughest athletes can be fighting something no one sees.
Whats your reaction to Raquels emotional story? Do you think WWE should shine more light on what stars go through off-camera? Drop your thoughts and show some support in the comments.
