10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Zelina Vega

10. Rey Mysterio Inspired Her

Vega currently plays a managerial role in NXT, but while she has likely learned bucketloads from studying Paul Heyman, Bobby Heenan, and Sensational Sherri, such figures weren't among her earliest heroes.

Zelina originally had her sights set on following in the footsteps of a man generally regarded as the most influential luchador of all time, as revealed in a January 2014 interview with Black Hollywood Live:-

“Rey Mysterio was my inspiration when it came to that. He was someone that I looked at… He’s so small, but he can do so much… I want to be the female Rey Mysterio. Whether it’s with a mask or not, I want to be him."

This shouldn't come as a massive surprise to anyone who has seen her work. Rather than resorting to the usual slaps and distractions, Zelina interjects herself into Andrade Almas' matches with flips, dives, and Hurricanranas. This penchant for the spectacular is what sets her aside from anyone else in WWE's slim managerial pool, bringing a whole new dynamic to the NXT Champion's bouts, with Vega's involvement often as important as the wrestlers themselves.

We're yet to see Zelina flex the full extent of her lucha libre skills in a WWE ring, but perhaps that day will eventually come.