Zelina Vega riding high as WWE Women's United States Champion after years of shortcomings
Zelina Vega is a big believer in manifestation. Yet not even she could believe her biggest career achievement thus far.
After her in-ring WWE career started in 2018, Vega finally captured a singles title, winning the Women's United States Championship by dethroning the inaugural winner Chelsea Green.
It came at a coincidental time. Exactly one week before she won the title, she told USA TODAY Sports at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony red carpet she hoped the championship was in her future. In a way, manifesting it would happen.
But when Vega landed the Code Red on Green and got the pin to put the gold in her hands, it was a gratifying moment she didn't expect as she looked at what was finally in her possession.
'It's as much a shock to you guys as it was to me,' Vega told USA TODAY Sports. 'I just realized that as I looked at (the title), I was like, 'Oh (expletive), this is real.' That's when I grabbed my face. That's when I realized it was real.'
Long desired by fans, the introduction of the Women's United States and Intercontinental Championship in November 2024 meant more female stars could finally chase and obtain gold. Mid-card runs expand the possibilities available on the roster.
That made for the perfect opportunity for Vega, who for so long had fallen short of being a singles champion. She has some notable achievements, like the inaugural Queen of the Ring and a Women's Tag Team Champion in 2021, but like all wrestlers, the goal is to obtain solo gold.
Not only had it been years since she grasped a major accolade, Vega came close to finally doing it several times, only to fall short.
'If I'm being honest, it was very deflating each and every single time for me, too,' she said. 'But I think I always got something out of each title opportunity that I got.'
She found plenty of silver linings with the championship losses. She lost to Asuka twice in September 2020, but felt like it showed management she's capable of performing in the spotlight. Despite losing to Rhea Ripley at Backlash 2023, she 'won so much more' being able to perform in Puerto Rico as a proud Boricua. In July 2023, Vega felt rejuvenated when she battled Liv Morgan.
While there was something positive to take in each loss, Vega knew the clock was ticking on fans sticking with her. With consistent losing, the crowd loses interest and eventually moves on.
But after years of just missing out, all the shortcomings, Vega finally did it — and validated herself as someone not to overlook.
'When it happened, the crowd erupted because they're like, 'Oh my god, we weren't expecting this either,'' she said. 'It's nice to prove people wrong.'
Silencing the doubters is how Vega plans to carry her title reign. She has a tough act to follow in Green, who turned the inaugural run into comedy gold with the presidential-style reign and the 'Secret Hervice' in Piper Niven and Alba Fyre serving as her security.
Vega applauded Green's work because 'she's always able to take something and run with it,' and when it comes to continuing to bring prestige to one of the newer titles on the roster, she wants to showcase that underdog mentality she's always had. Similar to how Rey Mysterio did with his World Heavyweight Championship run in 2006.
'When it comes to what I want to put onto this title, it is it does not matter how big, how small you are. Ultimately, it's what you have in your heart,' Vega said.
Zelina Vega honors dad with title
Not only did she prove people wrong, but the title victory meant she could have a full circle moment. Less than a week after the win, Vega went to New York City, where she brought the championship to her dad's memorial. Michael Angel Trinidad was one of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and his name is on the National September 11 Memorial.
It was an emotional moment as Vega FaceTimed her mom. Both cried, knowing Vega's father played a major role in her decision to get into wrestling. She noted her father is 'always my why' to push through all obstacles, and when she put the title along her dad's name, she was able to take it all in.
'It felt nice to just finally exhale,' Vega said. 'The only times I've really ever done that was at Backlash (2023), winning (the title) and then at the memorial.
'It was nice to feel like I actually accomplished part of the promise that I made so long ago,' she added.
Reuniting with husband Aleister Black in WWE
It's a great time in Vega's household; not only is she champion, but her husband, Aleister Black, just made his return to WWE after he left the company in 2021 and went to All Elite Wrestling. Coincidentally, Black's return to WWE came the same night his wife won the title.
Vega said the championship match wasn't even the top priority that day, with her focus mostly on making sure her husband was good. It wasn't all worries though.
'I was kind of just wowed by the fact that I was even seeing him at work again. I looked like a little school girl. I was smiling all day long,' Vega said.
It made for an even sweeter celebration. When she got backstage from her win, Black was there to greet her and soak it in. Then right afterward, Black was next to get in the ring to have his moment.
She said her and Black have been waiting for so long to work together, and now they get to be on the road together and have plenty of nostalgia kicks. She's gone from having this crush on Black when they were both in NXT to now full blown husband and wife. She's a champion, and her husband is back.
After years of hoping dedication would eventually pay off, just about everything seems to be going Vega's way.
'You have dreams like that,' Vega said. 'But this time I didn't actually wake up.'
The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Matt Cardona Makes John Cena Post After Getting Called Out During Smackdown
Matt Cardona Makes John Cena Post After Getting Called Out During Smackdown originally appeared on Athlon Sports. WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena and TNA Wrestling superstar Matt Cardona broke the professional wrestling fourth wall over the past two days. Advertisement It all started during Friday's episode of WWE's weekly show, 'SmackDown,' where Cena faced off against Ron Killings in the main event. Ultimately, Cena lost the match by disqualification because he hit Killings in the head with his championship belt. Then, CM Punk, a longtime rival of Cena's, came out to engage in a brawl with him that ended with Cena slamming Punk through a table. As Punk laid through the broken table in pain, Cena created his own version of Punk's infamous 'Pipebomb' segment from 2011, where he let his feelings be known about his longtime rival. As Cena's segment continued, he decided to give a shoutout to three former WWE superstars: Claudio Castagnoli (Cesaro), Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) and Cardona (Zack Ryder). This caused the crowd to burst into cheers, and Cardona issued a response to the moment on X. Advertisement 'Hey @JohnCena,' Cardona posted on Friday along with an old photo of himself and Cena on Saturday from his time in the WWE. However, the callout is not a surprise because the WWE started a multi-year partnership with TNA Wrestling in January, allowing both promotions to have their wrestlers to compete in each other's companies. So far, the partnership has been primarily focused on WWE's developmental show NXT, where TNA superstars such as Joe Hendry and TNA Knockout World Champion Masha Slamovich have competed in several matches. Meanwhile, Punk is expected to challenge Cena for the WWE Undisputed Championship at the Night of Champions pay-per-view on June 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Related: WWE Releases Unexpected Superstar After John Cena Match This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Released WWE star ‘hopeful' they can orchestrate AJ Lee return
The post Released WWE star 'hopeful' they can orchestrate AJ Lee return appeared first on ClutchPoints. Fans have been waiting years for the WWE return of AJ Lee, and the recently released Cora Jade thinks she may be able to make it happen. Advertisement Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Jade stated she believes she or former NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez could get Lee out of retirement. 'It has to be one of us,' Jade quipped. 'I know if I can't, Roxanne can. Between one of us, I think we can do it,' Jade said. 'Whether it's her or me, I don't know which one it's going to be, but remember that it's going to be one of us. To clarify, Jade is 'making a hopeful prediction.' Nothing is guaranteed, and Lee may never lace up her boots again. We will have to wait and see if it happens. Cora Jade was recently released by WWE after over four years with them. During her career, she was a one-time NXT Women's Tag Team Champion with Roxanne Perez. Advertisement Since being released, Jade has reverted back to her Elayna Black ring name. She is currently competing on the independent circuit. Will AJ Lee return to WWE? Currently, it does not appear Lee is going to come back to WWE anytime soon. The closest she has come to an in-ring return was filming wrestling scenes for Heels. She has ventured into other mediums since her retirement. Lee was featured in Sacramento, a new movie starring Michael Cera and Kristen Stewart. However, nothing is impossible. Her husband, CM Punk, did the unthinkable in 2023 and returned to WWE. He was away from the company and wrestling altogether for several years after his initial leave. Advertisement In between his WWE tenures, Punk tried his hand at UFC and also joined their biggest competitor, AEW. Punk was with AEW from 2021-23 before returning to WWE. So, never say never. However, with every passing year, it becomes increasingly unlikely she will ever return to the ring. Hopefully, Jade or Perez make it happen. Related: WWE makes Happy Gilmore 2 MJF request to Netflix Related: WWE star Charlotte Flair can't believe we're getting NBA Finals Game 7 'on the Lord's day'
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tom Brady's WWE-style Fanatics Fest entrance interrupted by Eli Manning
The post Tom Brady's WWE-style Fanatics Fest entrance interrupted by Eli Manning appeared first on ClutchPoints. It was Tom Brady and Eli Manning's turn at Fanatics Fest NYC, and the two legendary quarterbacks brought back their legendary NFL rivalry – with some fun WWE flair – to an excited audience at the Javits Center. Brady and Manning had everyone standing and cheering at Fanatics Fest with a moment that seemed like it was out of a wrestling show with the music, props, and a light-hearted tackle. Advertisement Brady made a flashy entrance to the tune of WWE star Cody Rhodes' theme song, 'Kingdom,' sporting sunglasses and draping a WWE championship belt over his shoulder. As the music pumped, he paused mid-ramp to grab a New York Jets jersey, spat on it, and stomped it into the ground. But he didn't stop there—he pulled out a Eli Manning Giants jersey, and ripped it in half, sending the crowd into a complete frenzy. A few moments later, Manning himself made a surprise appearance, running on the stage and jumping on Brady from behind, recreating their famous battles on the turf. The whole scene felt right out of WWE, with both quarterbacks grinning as they exited together. WWE even shared the clip with the caption, 'It's chaos at Fanatics Fest,' adding to the excitement. This interaction was a nod to one of the most famous rivalries in NFL history. Brady may have seven Super Bowl victories under his belt, but it's worth noting that two of his three losses were against Manning and the New York Giants in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. Those setbacks not only kept Brady and the Patriots from achieving a flawless season in 2007 but also helped cement Manning's reputation in the playoffs. Advertisement The atmosphere at Fanatics Fest NYC was part of a larger event where sports stars embraced WWE-style entrances in front of live audiences. Earlier, Manning had entered Roman Reigns' theme song, even throwing in the 'Acknowledge Me' line, which added to the theatrical vibe. This event brought together fans, athletes, and pop culture under one roof. Related: John Cena drops 'Pipe Bomb' promo on CM Punk before WWE Night of Champions Related: Released WWE star 'hopeful' they can orchestrate AJ Lee return
