Vickie Guerrero, American wrestler and manager

Vickie Lynn Benson, born Vickie Lynn Lara on April 16, 1968, and later known by her married name Guerrero, is a distinguished American personality and manager within the electrifying world of professional wrestling. She achieved widespread recognition and carved out an indelible legacy primarily through her impactful tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she was famously known as Vickie Guerrero. Her career saw her transition from a supportive, behind-the-scenes presence to a prominent on-screen character, captivating audiences with her unique blend of villainy and charisma. Currently, she continues to contribute to the professional wrestling landscape, having signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she actively manages the formidable Nyla Rose.

A Multifaceted Career in WWE

Vickie Guerrero's journey in WWE was marked by a remarkable versatility, seeing her undertake various pivotal roles that significantly influenced storyline developments and match outcomes. She masterfully portrayed an on-screen authority figure, a role that required her to command respect (and often, disdain from the audience) and make crucial decisions that shaped the programming. Beyond this, she was involved in several high-profile storyline romances with WWE Superstars, adding layers of drama and intrigue to the shows. On occasion, she even stepped into the squared circle herself, competing as a professional wrestler within the WWE Divas division, showcasing a surprising willingness to engage physically when the narrative demanded it. However, it was arguably her work as a manager for numerous wrestlers, guiding their careers and amplifying their personas, where her talents truly shone. Her strategic prowess and ability to draw attention were invaluable to her clients.

Commanding Authority: General Manager of SmackDown and Raw

Perhaps her most iconic and impactful roles were as the General Manager of WWE's flagship shows. She first took the reins of SmackDown, presiding over the blue brand from 2007 to 2011, a period characterized by her strict, often unfair, decision-making that consistently drew the ire of fans. Following this, she transitioned to become the General Manager of Raw, the company's longest-running weekly episodic television show, from 2011 to 2013. In these high-pressure positions, Vickie Guerrero was responsible for booking matches, enforcing rules, and orchestrating storylines, effectively acting as the on-screen embodiment of management. Her authoritative presence and villainous machinations were central to many years of WWE programming.

The Art of the Heel: "Excuse Me!"

Vickie Guerrero’s persona was meticulously crafted to elicit strong negative reactions, making her one of professional wrestling's most successful "heels" (villains). Her ability to generate genuine "heat"—a term used in wrestling to describe a strong, often negative, emotional response from the audience—was legendary. She achieved this not just through her actions but famously through her signature catchphrase, "Excuse me!" Delivered with a high-pitched, exasperated tone, often at the peak of audience booing, this simple phrase would invariably amplify the crowd's vocal disapproval, making her segments unforgettable and often comedic in their sheer audaciousness. This mastery of audience manipulation became a hallmark of her character, cementing her status as a truly unique and engaging villain.

Beyond WWE: AEW and Sporadic Returns

After a celebrated and impactful run, Vickie Guerrero officially departed from WWE in 2014. While her full-time presence ceased, she continued to hold a special place in the hearts (and frustrations) of wrestling fans, leading to several sporadic and eagerly anticipated appearances back in the company over the years. These returns were often met with significant fan reaction, a testament to her enduring legacy. In a significant move in the professional wrestling landscape, she later joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a prominent competitor to WWE that emerged in 2019. In AEW, she has taken on the role of manager for Nyla Rose, a formidable competitor, once again demonstrating her skill in elevating a wrestler's presence and contributing to compelling narratives in a new era of wrestling.

A Personal Connection: The Legacy of Eddie Guerrero

A deeply personal and profoundly significant aspect of Vickie Guerrero’s public identity is her status as the widow of the beloved and legendary professional wrestler, Eddie Guerrero. Eddie, renowned for his "Lie, Cheat, Steal" mantra and incredible in-ring talent, was a hugely influential figure in wrestling, whose untimely passing left a void in the industry. WWE, on occasion, incorporated this real-life connection into its storylines, a practice that, while sensitive, aimed to acknowledge her personal history and often added emotional weight to her character's motivations and interactions. This integration served as a poignant reminder of her profound ties to one of wrestling's most revered families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vickie Guerrero

Who is Vickie Guerrero?
Vickie Guerrero, whose full name is Vickie Lynn Benson (née Lara, formerly Guerrero), is an American professional wrestling personality and manager. She gained significant fame for her villainous persona and roles as General Manager in WWE, and currently manages Nyla Rose in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
What was Vickie Guerrero's most famous catchphrase?
Her most famous and audience-inciting catchphrase was "Excuse me!", which she would often shriek to generate heat and silence dissenting crowds during her WWE appearances.
What roles did Vickie Guerrero play in WWE?
In WWE, she served as an on-screen authority figure (most notably as General Manager of SmackDown and Raw), a manager for various Superstars, a storyline romantic interest, and occasionally competed as a wrestler in the Divas division.
Is Vickie Guerrero still involved in professional wrestling?
Yes, she is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she works as a manager for the professional wrestler Nyla Rose.
What is Vickie Guerrero's connection to Eddie Guerrero?
Vickie Guerrero is the widow of the late, legendary professional wrestler Eddie Guerrero. This personal relationship was sometimes incorporated into WWE storylines, acknowledging her real-life ties to the wrestling world.