Zelina Vega recently joined Chris Van Vliet on INSIGHT to discuss her career in pro wrestling and share insights into her experiences within WWE. The former WWE Women’s United States Champion spoke candidly about her first singles title victory, her success in WWE’s Queen of the Ring tournament, and her portrayal of AJ Lee in the film Fighting with My Family. This interview offers a rare glimpse into Vega’s thoughts on these key moments and her journey in the wrestling world.
Experiencing the Moment of Claiming the Women’s US Championship
When Zelina Vega won the Women’s United States Championship, the reality of her achievement took time to fully sink in. She explained that on the day it happened, she was deeply focused on performing, which delayed her emotional response. It was only after winning that she realized the significance of the moment, particularly while walking up the ramp with the title in hand. The combination of seeing her face and hearing the commentators brought the reality crashing down.
Vega recounted her complex feelings during the victory:
“Well the day of, when it actually happened, I think I was just so in work mode that I wasn’t able to grasp what was happening. Then the second I grabbed my face, when I was walking up the ramp with it, that’s when it kind of hit me and I was like, oh sh*t, this is real right now, like work stuff and things. And then it was like, oh sh*t, this is my first singles title, what the hell? It just so happened to be the same time that the commentators putting that over so yeah, I think that’s when it hit me and I was kind of blown away by it. I wasn’t expecting to get emotional, because I hate crying. I hate it, as much as you’re like, Oh, she’s gonna cry again. I hate crying. When it was coming out, it’s like you kind of fight it a bit, but that moment and Backlash were the two that I just let it go.”
—Zelina Vega, WWE Superstar
Winning Queen of the Ring and the Birth of Her Accent Persona
Vega’s win in the WWE Queen of the Ring tournament also marked an important evolution in her character work. She revealed how developing a unique, somewhat eccentric accent became a defining feature during this period. The idea originated from Vince McMahon, who encouraged her to try an accent, even if it was a “really bad one.”
Before the tournament, she consulted with wrestling legend Booker T and his wife, Sharmell, to ensure her accent felt authentic and true to her personality. Vega credits their advice for helping make her portrayal feel genuine and meaningful.
She shared her experience:
“That’s where the weird Australian, British kind of accent started. So yeah, because Vince asked me, ‘Can you do an accent?’ I was like, ‘I could do a really bad one.’ And he’s like, ‘That’s even better. Do that!’ I’m like, All right, cool. So yeah, that’s how it started. I did talk to Booker T right before I won it and I was like, ‘Hey, are you cool with me doing an accent if I end up doing this?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, for sure.’ I was talking to him and Sharmell, he’s like, ‘Make sure you make it yours. But whatever feels natural to you, just amplify that.’ So it was cool to get to talk to them right before it happened, because for me, he’s my favorite. King Booker was my favorite.”
—Zelina Vega, WWE Superstar
Portraying AJ Lee in Fighting with My Family: A Unique Career Opportunity
Another pivotal moment in Vega’s career was being cast as AJ Lee in the movie Fighting with My Family, which chronicles the life of Saraya, formerly known as Paige. Vega had a background in acting before wrestling and was encouraged by The Rock, who recognized her potential in both arenas. Despite her initial hesitation about continuing in entertainment, The Rock presented her with a role that uniquely combined her wrestling and acting skills.
Vega recalled the conversation with The Rock about the opportunity, highlighting his belief in her talent:
“So he [The Rock] knew for a while that I wanted to do acting, because I was doing acting before I started wrestling, because I thought that’s what you had to do. I loved any kind of backstage or vignettes or in-ring promos. I loved that, and he was like the godfather of it. So he knew that I wanted to do acting also. I remember one time he was like, ‘You sure you want to do wrestling? Because I just feel like acting is right there for you. You have the look, I’ve seen what you can do…’ I showed him reels and stuff. So he’s like, ‘You sure?’ And I’m like, ‘100% sure wrestling first and foremost, but I’d love to do acting at some point too.’ He was like, Okay. And then eventually he’s like, ‘I have the perfect blending of the worlds for you right now.’ I was like, okay, and mind you, so this came after I had already said I don’t want to do anything entertainment business anymore. I’m f*cking over it, blah, blah, blah. He’s like, ‘Give me a few days.’ So he calls me, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I got this thing…’ The funny thing is, I don’t remember exactly how the conversation went, because I remember a sinking feeling the more he talks. I was like, Oh my God, I feel like something big is coming, and I don’t know what it is yet. Then he’s like, ‘So we’re doing this movie. It’s a documentary that they had on Paige’s life and her family. Basically, we’re doing the movie, but we’re continuing it, and kind of replaying this whole thing out with Paige and AJ Lee and how she won the championship and whatever, because I was the one who told her about it that day, and I need you to be my Divas Champion.’ And I was like, ‘What?!’ He’s like, ‘This is usually where people are like, super happy and say, Thank you so much.’ I’m like, ‘Wait, wait, I didn’t even hear what you’re saying correctly. Can you repeat what you just said? Because it sounds like you offered me a role just now, but I’m not 100% that’s what you said.’ And he’s like, ‘Yes. You know you don’t even have to audition for it. I already know that you can do it, you’re gonna be my Divas Champion.’ I was like, holy sh*t. So yeah. And then I remember just studying AJ’s voice to exhaustion.”
—Zelina Vega, WWE Superstar
Implications of Zelina Vega’s Growth in WWE and Beyond
Zelina Vega’s journey highlights the multifaceted nature of success in professional wrestling, where athleticism, character work, and charisma are intertwined. Her ability to navigate both wrestling and acting, supported by figures like The Rock and Vince McMahon, underscores the evolving role of performers in WWE. Vega’s Queens of the Ring victory and US Championship win mark significant milestones that enhance her credibility as a wrestler, while her role in Fighting with My Family opens doors to new opportunities in entertainment.
As WWE continues to develop women’s wrestling and expand its storytelling, Vega’s story serves as an example of how talent can cross between the squared circle and broader media projects. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching to see what comes next for this dynamic performer as she balances her championship ambitions with acting prospects.
