Latest news with #SecretHervice
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chelsea Green Confirms Released WWE Superstar Was Planned For The Secret Hervice
Chelsea Green had plans for her Secret Hervice faction that never came to fruition. WWE SmackDown Superstar Chelsea Green was a recent guest on The Lightweights Podcast. While discussing the Secret Hervice, Green revealed that Blair Davenport was originally set to be the third member of her group until she was released, which opened the door to bring in Alba Fyre. Advertisement 'When we were talking about a third (member of Secret Hervice), at first it was going to be Blair Davenport,' Chelsea Green revealed. 'And when Blair was released. It was obviously a really — kind of like a bummer moment. Like man, maybe we're not gonna grow, maybe we're not gonna be a faction. 'We're just gonna be a tag team and then we both kind of had the idea, 'What if we can convince them to get Kay Lee? Alba.' Because Kay Lee is Piper's best friend from Scotland, from years of working together and she also lived with us in Japan. The three of us worked for STARDOM together so it's perfect. We have history, we have a relationship, we have a friendship, we mesh already, we know each other's quirks and downfalls too so we can work around those and it's just been really fun. 'I mean, it's a challenge always to be in a group. You're always gonna try to figure out week to week how you continue this. It's not just about you. You can't always be the center of attention. We have to figure out how to shift constantly and work around WWE's creative that week.' [H/T: Fightful] READ MORE: Chelsea Green Is Once Again Compared To This WWE Superstar, Matt Cardona Responds Advertisement What do you make of Chelsea Green's comments? Would you have liked to see Blair Davenport involved in the Secret Hervice faction? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Chelsea Green Confirms Released WWE Superstar Was Planned For The Secret Hervice appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE Smackdown results: US Champion Zelina Vega beats Alba Fyre as Chelsea Green's plan backfires
Zelina Vega continued her strong run as the Women's United States Champion with a big win over Alba Fyre on WWE SmackDown. Despite facing plenty of chaos from Chelsea Green and her Secret Hervice, Vega stayed focused and finished the match in style. Earlier in the night, Chelsea Green met Nick Aldis in the hallway, wearing a rainbow face mask and holding a cardboard cutout of her own face. She claimed Vega had attacked her and demanded the title be taken away. Aldis made it clear that Vega would not be stripped and told Chelsea she would get a rematch once she's cleared to compete. Not happy with that answer, Green took matters into her own hands and somehow booked Alba Fyre in a match against Vega. Aldis agreed to make it official. Zelina Vega fights through the chaos to beat Alba Fyre .@ZelinaVegaWWE isn't giving up that easily! 👊#SmackDown Alba Fyre started off strong, using her power to knock Vega down early. But the champion bounced back with quick strikes and a hurricanrana that sent Fyre out of the ring. Chelsea Green distracted the referee while Piper Niven tripped up Vega. Fyre followed with a superkick and took control as the show went to break. Back from commercial, Vega fought out of a chinlock and landed a big Meteora in the corner. She went for a suplex but changed her mind and hit a jawbreaker instead. Vega then missed a moonsault, and Fyre tried to take advantage with a Swanton Bomb, but Vega kicked out at two. The match reached its wildest point when Vega stepped outside the ring. Chelsea Green tried to hit her with the facemask, but Vega ducked, and Green accidentally hit Piper Niven. Vega got back in the ring and nailed Fyre with a Code Red to score the win.
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
7 WWE Superstars Who Should Win Money in the Bank
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Money in the Bank is WWE's next major Premium Live Event (PLE), and its flagship match offers massive opportunities for two lucky Superstars. Not only does this give them an opportunity to win a world title, it could also mean that they become the person who dethrones Cena's record-breaking 17th championship reign. More Pro Wrestling: Recently Released Superstar Working With WWE Again So let's take a look at the wrestlers who should be the ones to raise the briefcase over their heads in June. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 07: Damian Priest cashes in the Money in the Bank briefcase during Night Two at Lincoln Financial Field on April 07, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 07: Damian Priest cashes in the Money in the Bank briefcase during Night Two at Lincoln Financial Field on April 07, 2024 in Philadelphia, Green Sadly, Chelsea Green no longer has the Women's United States Championship, having recently dropped it to Zelina Vega. While this could be seen as a negative, there is actually massive upside for Green: she can now go for a world title. Given her persona and the likely assistance of the Secret Hervice, there is no doubt that Green could make a meal of having the Money in the Bank briefcase. Sami Zayn Sami Zayn will always be wildly over with the crowd due to his constant underdog status and his unbelievable likability. Despite this, one thing has always eluded Zayn: a world championship. With the briefcase, Zayn can immediately put himself in the main event scene and give himself the major boost he needs to overcome that final milestone. Roxanne Perez Roxanne Perez remains one of the most exciting new talents on the main roster. And she more than proved that she is ready for the main event with her performance at the Royal Rumble. Perez firmly established herself as a star in NXT, having won the NXT Women's Championship twice. Now, she could do the same by winning Women's Money in the Bank. Drew McIntyre Even though Drew McIntyre won the Men's Money in the Bank match last year, he was unable to cash in and lost the briefcase in a single day. Since he is on a redemption tour this year, attacking everyone who has wronged him, it would only make sense for McIntyre to win the ladder match again, but this time be more patient and successful with his cash-in. Plus, this could give him a more satisfying title run than his previous two. Rhea Ripley Rhea Ripley remains one of the most dominant WWE Superstars on the roster, having won multiple world titles as well as the Women's Royal Rumble. It seems that all is missing is the Money in the Bank briefcase. Ripley would be excellent with the briefcase, likely utilizing it in menacing fashion rather than being sneaky. Nothing would be scarier to a champion than when she showed up ringside and cashed in with pomp and circumstance. Dominik Mysterio Dominik Mysterio may be a heel right now, but the massive reaction he received at WrestleMania 41 when he won the Intercontinental Championship shows that this may not be the case for long. Even if he were to make a face turn, his character likely wouldn't change, meaning he could still perform a sneaky cash-in. Plus, if Ripley were to also win, the photos of them together would be hilarious. Naomi Naomi has been on a tear, proving why she is one of the most underrated and valuable members of the WWE roster. She more than deserves her flowers for her excellent work recently, and the Money in the Bank briefcase is the way to get there. Additionally, this would be a great way to introduce Jade Cargill to the main event scene given the two's history. More Pro Wrestling: Released WWE Superstar Set For In-Ring Return WWE Legend Jake 'The Snake' Roberts Undergoes Surgery For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Fox News
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
7 WWE stars who should be on next year's WrestleMania card
WrestleMania 41 will feature some of the best and brightest talent the WWE roster has to offer. Throughout the year, WWE stars have jockeyed to be in position to either headline WrestleMania or at least be on the card. There is no wrestling event like WrestleMania in the industry. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque made it clear after the Elimination Chamber that nothing was set for the main events, stressing the value of making the most of the television spots each competitor received. As the cards for each night of the event were put together and the main events were put into focus, some fans were disappointed about not seeing their favorites in Las Vegas. There will be plenty of time over the next year for those who didn't get on the card to be there. Here are seven WWE stars who weren't on the WrestleMania 41 card and should be on the WrestleMania 42 card in New Orleans. Chelsea Green may have been the most underrated performer of the 2024-25 season between WrestleMania 40 and 41. Green was close to winning the women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match but took a huge bump through multiple tables, which allowed Tiffany Stratton to win. Green later became the first-ever women's United States champion and has carried that into WrestleMania 41. She also may have the most underrated storyline going on "Friday Night SmackDown" with the Secret Hervice protecting her at all costs. She was not on the WrestleMania 41 card but should definitely be in the mix next year. Roxanne Perez's season ran from last year's Stand & Deliver to this year's Stand & Deliver event as NXT's premium live event during WrestleMania weekend occurs before the first night. Perez defeated Lyra Valkyria to become the youngest two-time NXT women's champion, and she did her best to keep the title around her waist all year long. Perez's second title reign lasted 276 days, ending at New Year's Evil against Giulia. But she saved her best performance for the Royal Rumble. Perez was the No. 2 entrant in the women's Royal Rumble match and made it all the way to the end before eventually losing to Charlotte Flair. Perez will be on the Stand & Deliver countdown show this year, but her WrestleMania moment is coming very soon. Sami Zayn was an integral part of the Bloodline storyline going back to the buildup to WrestleMania 39, where he and Kevin Owens won tag team titles over the Usos. At WrestleMania 40, Zayn ended Gunther's reign as intercontinental champion. But this year, Zayn doesn't have a spot on the WrestleMania card. Zayn has been in the world title picture and had a bitter feud with Owens come to an end at Elimination Chamber. He's been out of action since that match. But if there's anyone who needs some rest and relaxation after putting in work, it would be Zayn. Could the 2025-26 season see Zayn finally win a world title in WWE? Only time will tell. Technically, Chad Gable isn't on the WrestleMania 41 card. Despite allegations he's El Grande Americano (along with the evidence against him), Rey Mysterio specifically challenged the luchador from the Gulf of America to a match. Gable turned heel this season, separating himself from Otis and Maxxine Dupri. He nearly won the WWE Speed Championship against Dragon Lee but couldn't get the win. His talent has been largely praised, and he competed against Zayn for the intercontinental championship at Clash At The Castle. Surely, there will be room for Gable and El Grande Americano next year. Ray Fenix may have entered a WWE ring two months too late, or he would have been on the card along with Penta. Fenix is the latest luchador to take the WWE Universe by storm, and he's been building a rivalry with the members of Legado del Fantasma. It will be interesting to see how his first few feuds play out and if the crowd will get behind him for a major push. The Wyatt Sicks' debut was the most compelling and scariest storyline that emerged during the summer. It was cool to see the buildup and the calls back to the late Bray Wyatt. Bo Dallas was spilling his soul to the WWE Universe each Monday, and then things came to a halt, reportedly due to injuries. Alexa Bliss made her stunning return to WWE during the women's Royal Rumble and, in subsequent appearances on "Friday Night SmackDown," it appeared the Wyatt Sicks were set for a return with Bliss being involved. But things came to a sudden stop after her Elimination Chamber appearance. Whatever the case may be, a healthy Wyatt Sick along with a healthy Bliss is what's good for business. Montez Ford could be the most athletically gifted superstar on the WWE roster. Ford and Angelo Dawkins are tag-team champions on the SmackDown roster, but it doesn't appear they will be making the WrestleMania 41 card. Ford is ripe for a singles title shot down the line as he has not had a shot since the 2023 Elimination Chamber when the United States Championship was up for grabs. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
