Zelina Vega riding high as WWE Women's United States Champion after years of shortcomings

USA Today

17 hours ago

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.'
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