10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Zelina Vega

5. Life On The Indies

Zelina Vega
ShineWrestling.com

It takes most wrestlers years to get themselves noticed by one of America's biggest promotions, but Vega was signed to TNA just 11 months after stepping between the ropes for the first time. Her initial indie run saw her work for regional promotions like National Wrestling Superstars and Women Superstars Uncensored, competing as Divina Fly.

Vega moonlighted for Mexico's biggest promotion, CMLL, during her TNA run, but was unable to sign with the company due to a working agreement between Impact and AAA - CMLL's biggest competitors.

Away from the big-time spotlight, she has competed against the likes of Maria Kanellis and Christy Hemme for Family Wrestling Entertainment, toured with Japan's Stardom promotion, and competed for Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling long before the company was absorbed by Impact. She competed with some of the scene's most celebrated stars during this period, including Ivelisse, Taya Valkyrie, and WWE Cruiserweight Classic competitors Toni Storm and Mercedes Martinez.

Vega also made a handful of Ring Of Honor appearances from 2015 onwards, managing then-fiancé Austin Aries. Her indie schedule became increasingly sparse prior to signing for WWE in July: Zelina has wrestled just three times this year, with her last bout coming in March.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.