Zelina Vega

Zelina Vega – Life, Career & Memorable Quotes

Learn about Zelina Vega (born December 27, 1990) — her journey from independent wrestling to WWE success, her identity, her championships, and some of her most inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Zelina Vega is the ring name of Thea Megan Trinidad Büdgen (born December 27, 1990).

Vega is known for her versatility — she has played both in-ring competitor and manager roles, embraced storytelling, cross-media presence, and broken barriers (e.g. winning the inaugural Queen’s Crown tournament).

Early Life and Family

• Birth & Background: She was born in Queens, New York City on December 27, 1990.

• Heritage: She is of Afro-Latina / Puerto Rican descent.

• Early Influence: Growing up, she watched wrestling (often with her father and younger brother) and was inspired by performers like Rey Mysterio and Lita.

• Tragedy: When she was 10 years old, her father, Michael Trinidad, died in the September 11 attacks. He was working in the World Trade Center at the time.

• Motivation: She has said that her father’s memory motivated her wrestling career — she often frames wrestling as a way to connect with him.

Education, Training & Early Wrestling Career

• Training: She began training in wrestling around age 17 under trainers including Javi-Air, Azrieal, and T. J. Perkins.

• Debut: Her professional debut was on February 20, 2010, under the ring name Divina Fly in the National Wrestling Superstars (NWS) promotion.

• Independent Circuit: She wrestled under various names—Divina Fly, Snookie Fly—and competed in promotions like Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU).

• TNA: She joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Rosita, and with Sarita she won the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship.

WWE Career & Highlights

Joining WWE & Evolution

• She signed with WWE around 2017 and began in NXT.

• In WWE, she initially acted largely in a managerial / valet capacity, notably managing Andrade “Cien” Almas.

• Over time, she transitioned more into in-ring competition.

• She was released from WWE in November 2020.

• She was re-signed within six months, returning to WWE.

Major Achievements & Titles

• She won the inaugural Queen’s Crown tournament (2021), earning the moniker Queen Zelina.

• As Queen Zelina, she and Carmella captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.

• More recently, she won the WWE Women’s United States Championship, marking her first singles title in WWE.

• Her reign as Women’s United States Champion lasted 63 days (shortest reign).

Factions & Character Shifts

• She aligned with Legado Del Fantasma and became part of the Latino World Order (LWO).

• Her shifts between heel (villain) and face (hero) roles show her adaptability in character storytelling in wrestling.

Personality, Interests & Outside the Ring

• Vegan Athlete: She describes herself as a “vegan athlete” and is vocal about that lifestyle.

• Cosplay & Streaming: Outside wrestling, she is passionate about cosplay and creates content (e.g. gaming, streaming).

• Acting & Media: She has appeared in films, such as portraying AJ Lee in Fighting with My Family.

Famous Quotes

Below are a few notable quotes that reflect Zelina Vega’s mindset, drive, and perspective:

“It’s something I’m almost addicted to … wrestling, it’s weird, but it’s always been that. Everybody looks at me like, ‘Oh my god, you’re so small, why would you want to mess up your face, what are you doing?’ But I’m in love with it.”

“When I see more than one female wrestling match on the card, I get so excited because it gives us more of a platform to show what we can do.”

“Everybody told me I was too small to be a wrestler.”

“I use wrestling as my connection with my dad because that’s something that me and him shared.”

“I want to be the female Rey Mysterio. Whether it’s with a mask or not, I want to be him.”

These quotes highlight her courage against doubt, her love for the craft, and her emotional connection to her father and wrestling legacy.

Lessons from Zelina Vega

1. Passion transcends obstacles
   Despite being told she was “too small,” she persisted — letting her passion define her path over others’ expectations.

2. Embrace multifaceted identity
   She is more than a wrestler: rapper, manager, cosplayer, vegan advocate — her varied interests feed her public identity.

3. Use personal history as fuel
   Her father’s loss in 9/11 is woven into her narrative, fueling meaning in her choice to pursue wrestling as a tribute and connection.

4. Adaptability is strength
   Shifting between character roles, managing, and competing, she has shown that flexibility in talent is an asset.

5. Lead opportunities, don’t wait
   Her winning of the Queen’s Crown and tag titles show that she seeks to break ceilings rather than ask permission.

Conclusion

Zelina Vega’s journey — from a young fan in Queens to a decorated WWE talent — showcases how identity, resilience, and storytelling intersect in modern wrestling. She carries forward a legacy shaped by personal loss, artistic ambition, and determination.