Zelina Vega: From Smackdown Star to Street Fighter 6 Champion - A Glimpse into her Thriving Life Beyond Wrestling

Summary

Zelina Vega fulfilled a lifelong dream by teaming up with Rey Mysterio and performing in front of Puerto Rican wrestling fans.

As a gamer and anime fan, she had the surreal experience of being a commentator in Street Fighter 6.

Zelina Vega teamed up with Dakota Kai to launch a gaming podcast where they delve into discussions about gaming, anime, and their common interests beyond wrestling.

Zelina Vega is rapidly becoming a rising star in the WWE, just beginning to tap into her potential in sports entertainment. In April, Vega had the incredible opportunity to team up with her childhood idol, the legendary Rey Mysterio, on the highly popular Friday Night Smackdown. This episode was no ordinary wrestling show; it was a chance for the Puerto Rican WWE Superstar to perform in front of her fellow countrymen.

This moment was just the start for Vega, as she proudly displayed her national pride that night. The following evening, she competed for her first singles title in the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. Although Vega didn't come out victorious, the memory of that night will forever hold a special place in her career. "My heart was pounding; it felt like a wedding day," expressed Vega. This dream come true moment was a testament to her determination as a WWE Superstar.

Vega's dreams were not limited to just one achievement. As a devoted gamer and fan of the Street Fighter series, she embraced her favorite character's name and even incorporated it into her ring gear. This unique connection paved the way for an incredible opportunity - becoming a commentator in Street Fighter 6. When Vega first heard her voice and witnessed her full involvement in the game, she was overwhelmed with emotion, admitting that she almost cried.

This experience further fueled Vega's passion for gaming, leading her to co-host a gaming podcast with fellow WWE Superstar Dakota Kai. The podcast, titled ZELVX AND CHARLIE Girl, combines elements of Cyberpunk and Kawaii. Reflecting on the genesis of the podcast, Vega explained that her conversations with Kai were not limited to wrestling; they would delve into various topics such as gaming and anime. This made her believe that there was an audience who could relate to their discussions.

As we explored Vega's interests beyond the wrestling ring, anime emerged as one of her other passions. While her husband, Malikai Black, wrestles for All Elite Wrestling, Vega shared her distinct anime preferences with Our website.

Zelina Vega Talks WWE

Our website: The collaboration between you and Dakota Kai for this podcast is truly remarkable. How did it all come about? I've heard it being described as a combination of cyberpunk and Kawhi. Can you share the story behind the creation of this show?

Zelina Vega: It was actually something that both her and I were already doing. Whenever we spent time together, we would discuss various topics, including gaming and anime. I realized that there are probably others who can relate to our conversations. So, I suggested that we start a podcast to see what happens. She agreed, and surprisingly, everything fell into place quite quickly. Fortunately, our friend Josiah is helping us out, as he's the genius behind it all. We're really grateful for his support. This podcast allows us to provide a glimpse into who Thea is beyond Selena and who Charlie is behind Dakota.

Exploring the path ahead, it truly feels like both of us are just playful children. Engaging in such activities brings out our inner child, especially when we reminisce about the shows we enjoyed as kids, like Pokemon, Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball Z. It's such a joyful experience to relish in those memories and discuss the games we used to play. Did you ever find yourself terrified by Resident Evil? And what other exciting games caught your interest?

I am aware that you are a fan of Street Fighter, which we can discuss shortly. But I'm curious, besides Street Fighter, what other games do you enjoy? How do your gaming preferences differ from Dakota's?

Zelina Vega: I'm not sure if there's a significant distinction per se, but personally, I have a deep fondness for The Sims game. I used to be extremely engrossed in playing The Sims, to the point of obsession. Consequently, I have since limited my gaming activities in order to be more present in the real world. There was a time when I would play non-stop, from morning till night, even when I had school the next day.

Recently, you had the amazing opportunity to be a commentator in Street Fighter 6. Could you share a bit about your experience with that?

Zelina Vega: It all started when I did Vega for the first time at the Royal Rumble. Capcom noticed and loved it. They were surprised to learn that I was a fan. Then, after hearing me commentate on Andrade's matches on Raw, they approached me. My friend Andrew specifically asked if I wanted to be a part of it. At first, I thought he was joking because it seemed too massive. I couldn't comprehend it. But when everything was finalized and I saw parts of the game, it started to feel real. Going to L.A. to record my voice made it even more surreal. It's incredible to get to know the talented and amazing group of people involved in creating the game.

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of it. The first time I heard and saw it in full was when I was in Japan, and I had the opportunity to play alongside everyone involved in creating the game. It was such an overwhelming experience that I almost shed tears. I couldn't believe I was actually witnessing and hearing myself. Naturally, when it comes to gaming, I tend to get a bit fiery and occasionally aggressive, but it's all in good fun. They found some humor in that, too. So, that's the story.

It would be like a dream come true. Which other video game, either on the big screen or as a series, would you like to see brought to life?

Zelina Vega: That's a tough question. I really enjoy a variety of fighting games. I've always been a big fan of Mortal Kombat and Tekken 2. What's great about the fighting game community is that we support all kinds of games, not just one specific title. However, I would also love to be involved in something related to Naruto or Demon Slayer, as I'm a huge fan of anime. It would be amazing to combine those two worlds, especially since I've played games like Naruto and Ninja Storm. I'm interested in finding a way to merge the anime and gaming space together.

I'm interested in broadening my gaming horizons, so I'd appreciate your recommendations, Zelina. As someone who enjoys RPGs, Final Fantasy VII is my go-to. With that in mind, what other games do you suggest I check out?

Zelina Vega: I believe it would be beneficial for you to try out a variety of different games, don't you agree? Personally, I think it would be worth trying Fortnite, even though I'm not particularly skilled at it. It's incredibly enjoyable, especially when you play with friends and engage in some playful mischief. I genuinely love Fortnite. Dead by Daylight is another game that I find to be incredibly entertaining. I thoroughly enjoy playing it. Additionally, I recently tried the latest installment of Mortal Kombat, and the storyline was absolutely incredible. I was highly impressed by it.

The Batman Arkham series, consisting of Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight, is absolutely incredible. If you have any fondness for Batman, I believe you would greatly enjoy it. Personally, I am completely hooked on it. These are the major games that currently captivate my interest. On the other hand, my husband is heavily invested in DMZ. He spends a lot of time playing DMZ, which is a cyberpunk game. It offers a unique blend of storytelling and enjoyable combat, which is why I find it particularly appealing. In terms of anime recommendations, what are some series that you would suggest?

Zelina Vega recommends two anime series for those interested in exploring the genre: Demon Slayer and Death Note. She praises Death Note for its captivating storyline within its 37 episodes. Similarly, she highlights the exceptional illustration, story development, and characters of Demon Slayer. Zelina personally admires the character Rengoku and even has different Rengoku statues in her room.

For viewers seeking longer-running anime, Zelina suggests One Piece, Bleach, Naruto, and Inuyasha. She mentions her recent start of My Hero Academia, expressing how her friend had been urging her to watch it, comparing it to her love for Naruto. After watching the first episode, Zelina acknowledges its appeal and understands why her friend made the comparison.

Someone also suggested that I give My Hero a try since I'm a fan of the X-Men. Recently, One Piece released its live-action show on Netflix. Have you seen it? I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have any.

Zelina Vega: Right now, my husband and I are hooked on it. We both really enjoy it. He's more into classics like Castlevania and Vampire Hunter D. Ninja Scroll and similar titles are his all-time favorites. So when we decided to watch the live-action version of One Piece, he was pleasantly surprised. He said, "This is actually really fun." It's making me wonder if I should also give the anime a shot. I know it has many episodes, and everyone uses that as an excuse not to watch it. But we've truly immersed ourselves in it and can't stop watching now.

I attended WrestleMania in SoFi, but I was envious of those who were able to attend WrestleMania Backlash in Puerto Rico because the atmosphere and energy from the crowd there were absolutely amazing. Speaking about the moment I challenged for the Smackdown Women's Championship in front of that crowd, words cannot describe the emotions I felt. Even when I watched those moments while streaming with my chat yesterday, I still felt a lump in my throat and my heart pounding. It was truly the greatest moment of my life, second only to my wedding day. The support I received from my island, my people, my family, and friends was incredible. That kind of overwhelming support is something that cannot be compared to anything else.

I also had the rest of the LWO with me. It was like, wow, hold on. I still can't believe this surreal dream of mine. On that Friday night, I made it to main events and got to witness Smackdown with my hero, Rey Mysterio. Later that night, we even got matching tattoos. And then, in Puerto Rico at Backlash, I had the incredible opportunity to challenge for the Smackdown Women's Championship. It still feels unreal, as if it didn't actually happen. I keep wondering, how did all of this happen? But it definitely stands as one of the most amazing moments of my life.

Let's take a moment to talk about the LWO. Being in a faction with Rey Mysterio is beyond words. If someone had told the younger me that someday I would become a wrestler and be part of a faction alongside arguably the greatest pound-for-pound wrestler in history, I couldn't have imagined it. It's truly an indescribable feeling for me.

Zelina Vega expressed her astonishment at the fact that being a part of a legitimate thing like that still seemed crazy to her. Rey Mysterio had sent her some amazing pictures from Fastlane, and she couldn't believe she was standing next to him in those pictures. Reflecting on this, she couldn't help but think about the incredible journey she was on and how she felt privileged to learn from Rey and have the opportunity to talk to him. Zelina couldn't help but text Rey to express her gratitude and admiration, reassuring him that being a part of this with him meant the world to her. In response, Rey humbly and sweetly encouraged her, emphasizing that they were just getting started and that they would continue to succeed together. Zelina couldn't help but admire Rey's positive and uplifting attitude, remarking that he was the best human she had ever met.

Indeed, he is truly a legendary figure. While watching his performance at Fastlane, we couldn't help but marvel at his consistency and longevity in maintaining his unique style. It is truly awe-inspiring. That individual seems to defy the passage of time.

Zelina Vega: Absolutely, Rey Mysterio is a legendary figure. His impact is truly enigmatic.

With Carlito's return to WWE as part of LWO, what aspect of his current run are you looking forward to witnessing?

Zelina Vega expresses her desire to perform a double apple spitting act, finding it enjoyable yet daunting due to the pressure. However, she believes it will bring a refreshing vibe to the audience. Adding the incredible talent of Carlito to the mix adds an element of unpredictability, making it even more exciting for Zelina. She admits to having no clue about what will happen on Friday, but this uncertainty fuels her enthusiasm for work. Zelina is eager to discover the next step in their journey and believes the audience is equally prepared for it. The overwhelming support, especially from the Latino community, motivates Zelina and Carlito to proudly carry the hopes and dreams entrusted to them, propelling them to new heights.

You mentioned the importance of freshness and newness in WWE, and it was truly refreshing for me to see you in a title match. However, I feel like you were robbed of that moment because you didn't emerge as the champion. Fortunately, the Royal Rumble is approaching. How would it feel for you to win the Royal Rumble and face off against Rhea or EO, or whoever holds the championship at that time?

Zelina Vega: Winning the Royal Rumble and going on to Philly would be the perfect culmination of my journey. As I've mentioned before, I have been a manager in WWE for a solid five years. So, for people to witness this new version of Zelina, both as a wrestler and a beloved character, is truly special. It wasn't an easy or natural transition for me, considering I've always been seen as a natural villain. However, by allowing people to see the real me and embracing my genuine self, I've been able to bring a whole new side to the forefront.

It's amusing because Rhea mentioned in an interview that she understood the significance of Backlash to me because she knows I'm typically an angry person. So when she saw me displaying such strong emotions, like crying, she was surprised. Normally, I don't show any emotions, but this time it couldn't be controlled. Once I realized that I could allow others to see my vulnerability, everything else fell into place naturally. From Backlash to putting my body on the line in 'Money In The Bank' and doing what I believed was necessary, we have come a long way and the possibilities are expanding, from Rumble to WrestleMania.

I believe this journey is only going upwards. I am proving to the fans, the management, and myself that this is the true version of me, where I am meant to be. Holding singles gold is the exact position Zelina Vega should be in at this point in her career.

Zelina Vega can be seen weekly on WWE Smackdown every Friday at 8/7c on Fox.

Source: Our website Plus