10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Zelina Vega

3. TJP Trained Her

Zelina Vega
WWE.com

You'd never guess it from the way he's booked on 205 Live, but TJ Perkins is one of the most seasoned wrestlers in WWE.

TJP began his wrestling training at just 13 years old, and debuted as a masked luchador less than a year later. His first match came in 1999, and he made his way to New Japan Pro Wrestling's celebrated Los Angeles dojo a couple of years later. He'd already worked his third NJPW tour by the age of 18, and eventually started competing in Mexico, as well as taking regular bookings for every American indie that mattered.

Not bad for a guy who's still only 33 years old.

These experiences mean Perkins has a vast range of skill and knowledge to impart on potential trainees, and the indie veteran has trained several up-and-comers over the years, with Vega one of his more notable students. He was there when Zelina started her training in New York City, and while the extent of the former Cruiserweight Champion's mentorship isn't known, Perkins gives Vega at least one familiar face should she hit the main roster anytime soon.

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.