Zelina Vega, known for her time on WWE SmackDown and former Women’s United States Champion, shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram honoring the anniversary of her father’s passing, who tragically died in the 9/11 attacks. Her heartfelt message resonated with many current and former WWE stars, including Bianca Belair, who publicly reacted to the post.
The post included pictures and stories, such as one featuring The Rock and his daughter Ava visiting the memorial dedicated to Vega’s father, Michael Angel Trinidad. Vega expressed the special bond her father had with Dwayne Johnson and revealed the lasting impact of his memory on her life and career.
“…another is of The Rock, someone he loved, we loved watching and celebrating together.. he brought his daughter, now a dear friend of mine, to visit my Dad at the memorial… I love you forever. Our guardian angel. Michael Angel Trinidad. Thank you for being with me every step of the way. I felt incredibly blessed to finally bring a WWE title to you. Finally. That will stay with me forever but.. we’re far from done. Rest In Paradise. Love you Dad,” she added.
—Zelina Vega
Many wrestlers, including Aalyah Mysterio, Dustin Rhodes, Damian Priest, Lilian Garcia, Raquel Rodriguez, Saraya, and several others, showed their support with likes on the Instagram post. Additionally, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Megan Morant, Kelani Jordan, Ava, Natalya, Samantha Irvin, and Dakota Kai contributed with heartfelt comments. This support highlights the close-knit nature of the WWE community during difficult moments.
Zelina Vega’s Journey as Women’s United States Champion
Zelina Vega claimed the WWE Women’s United States Championship in April 2025 by defeating Chelsea Green. Her championship reign lasted until June when she lost the title to Giulia, marking a notable chapter in her wrestling career. Ahead of losing the championship, Vega opened up in an interview with USA Today about how surreal it felt to hold the title.
“It’s as much a shock to you guys as it was to me. I just realized that as I looked at (the title), I was like, ‘Oh (expletive), this is real.’ That’s when I grabbed my face. That’s when I realized it was real.”
—Zelina Vega
This admission showed the deep emotional connection Vega had with her accomplishment, reflecting her perseverance in WWE. Despite being off television for over a month now, many fans and analysts are curious about what storylines or roles the Stamford-based company will craft for her in the near future.
The Lasting Impact of Zelina Vega’s Tribute and WWE’s Continued Support
Zelina Vega’s tribute not only honored her father’s memory but also strengthened bonds within the WWE roster, as wrestlers publicly shared empathy and encouragement. Bianca Belair reacts to Zelina Vega’s vulnerability and resilience, which echoes the determination that WWE talents often show amid personal challenges.
The significance of such heartfelt moments in the wrestling world is profound, reminding fans and performers alike that behind the spectacle are individuals dealing with real-life trials. Moving forward, Vega’s story is likely to inspire ongoing support, and her return to WWE programming remains highly anticipated as the promotion looks to support one of its compelling athletes during her journey.
