Zelina Vega confirms new name as she enters post-WWE era
The former Zelina Vega is ready to enter a new chapter following her WWE release.
July 23 marks 90 days since WWE’s initial wave of post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts was made. Vega (real name Thea Trinidad Budgen) is among those hitting free agency, and she produced a video marking her new chapter. It takes us through Vega’s story in life and wrestling, starting out as a fan who watched wrestling with her family, the tragedy she experienced when her father died in the 9/11 attacks, and Vega achieving her dream in wrestling. The video references the biggest moments from her two WWE stints up through this last run she had with her husband Aleister Black.
Vega’s new wrestling name is confirmed with “Xelina” featured on the thumbnail of the video. She filed a trademark for that name earlier this week.
“Thank you for allowing me to entertain you as Zelina Vega,” she wrote in the video description. “I hope you join me for this new chapter.. it will be my best. -X”
The video did not reveal what’s next for Vega or Black, who was also released by WWE in April’s cuts.
Zelina Vega’s WWE stints and outside-the-ring pursuits —
Vega was first released by WWE in 2020 at a time when the company was cracking down on how freely wrestlers were able to pursue third-party endeavors like streaming on Twitch. She was brought back to WWE in 2021 for a second stint that included a Women’s United States Championship reign, winning the Queen’s Crown tournament, and being part of the LWO.
Outside of the ring, Vega hosts the ZELVX and Charlie Girl podcast with former WWE wrestler Dakota Kai. Vega’s Twitch channel is also still active.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.