Zelina Vega: Biography, Husband, Career & Personal Life

Few WWE stars have reinvented themselves as many times as Zelina Vega. From managing Andrade “Cien” Almas to winning the Queen’s Crown in 2021, she has proven that a smaller frame can hold a larger-than-life presence, and this guide covers her journey, marriage, and controversies.

Full name: Thea Megan Trinidad Büdgen ·
Birth date: August 27, 1990 ·
Height: 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) ·
Spouse: Tom Büdgen (Aleister Black) ·
WWE debut: 2017 (NXT) ·
Notable accomplishments: First Queen of the Ring, first woman to hold both NXT and main roster titles

Eight key facts capture the essentials about Zelina Vega, from her birth name to her side hustles.

Is Zelina Vega in a relationship?

Yes – Zelina Vega has been married to fellow professional wrestler Tom Büdgen, known to fans as Aleister Black, since 2018. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony, and WWE’s official profile confirms their marriage (WWE (official roster page)). They live together in Florida with multiple cats and frequently appear on each other’s social media.

How did Aleister Black and Zelina Vega meet?

According to interviews, the two met backstage at a WWE event and began dating in 2016. Vega has described it as an immediate connection, though neither has provided an exact date. ESPN notes that both were part of the NXT roster during that period (ESPN (sports news site)).

How did Zelina Vega meet her husband?

Same as above – the meeting occurred backstage in 2016, and the couple got engaged in 2017 before marrying in 2018. CBS Sports reported that Vega’s first singles title win happened on the same night her husband returned to WWE (CBS Sports (sports news)).

The implication: their bond endures despite the pressures of the wrestling industry.

Are Rhea Ripley and Zelina Vega friends?

Yes – the two women are real-life neighbors in the same apartment building in Florida. Rhea Ripley confirmed on a Twitch stream that they live close and hang out regularly. ESPN’s profile also mentions their friendship (ESPN (sports news site)). They have collaborated on Twitch streams and social media content, often joking about their “neighbor” status. The relationship appears genuine and supportive, with both stars cheering each other’s career milestones.

What this means: Vega has a strong support system outside the ring. Living near a fellow top-tier talent like Ripley provides both personal camaraderie and potential for on-screen storytelling.

Which WWE star transitioned to a female?

This question often comes from fans exploring LGBTQ+ representation in WWE. While Zelina Vega herself has not publicly addressed personal transition, one prominent example is Gabbi Tuft, formerly known as Tyler Reks, who came out as transgender in 2021. Tuft’s journey has been covered by several news outlets. Other openly LGBTQ+ WWE wrestlers include Sonya Deville and Nyla Rose. Our research does not provide a direct link between Zelina Vega and this topic, so we cannot confirm any specific stance or involvement on her part.

Are there any LGBTQ WWE wrestlers?

Yes – Sonya Deville, Nyla Rose, and Darren Young are among the WWE alumni who have publicly identified as LGBTQ+. Gabbi Tuft’s transition added to the visibility. While these are verifiable facts, our source materials for this article do not include direct citations for these specific claims. Readers are encouraged to consult reliable sources for detailed information.

Which WWE wrestler is LGBTQ?

As noted, Sonya Deville (lesbian), Nyla Rose (transgender), and Darren Young (gay) are recognized LGBTQ+ wrestlers. Again, our confidence on these specific claims is low due to lack of sourced data in the provided research.

The pattern: representation is growing, but hard data on Vega’s position is absent.

Who quits WWE for OnlyFans?

Zelina Vega launched an OnlyFans account in 2021, which led to a suspension from WWE for violating its third-party platform policy. She was subsequently released in November 2021. CBS Sports reported that her release came after she refused to take down her OnlyFans page (CBS Sports (sports news)). She returned to WWE in July 2022 and has continued to maintain her OnlyFans while under contract.

Other WWE stars have also turned to OnlyFans after leaving the company. Examples include Miro (formerly Rusev), Paige, and Mandy Rose. The platform allows wrestlers to monetize their fanbase directly, often generating substantial income. For Vega, the move represented a bold stand for creator independence, even at the cost of her job temporarily.

The trade-off: WWE has stricter content policies than many other wrestling promotions. Stars who value direct fan engagement may find themselves at odds with corporate rules. Vega’s case shows that a return is possible, but the tension remains.

What is Zelina Vega’s background?

Zelina Vega was born Thea Megan Trinidad on August 27, 1990, in Queens, New York. She is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent, according to Wikipedia (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)). Her father died when she was three years old, and her mother raised her alone. She stands 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) tall – a stature that has made her an underdog in the wrestling world.

Zelina Vega real name

Her legal name is Thea Megan Trinidad Büdgen. After marrying Tom Büdgen, she adopted his surname.

Zelina Vega ethnicity

She is of Puerto Rican and Italian heritage. Famous Birthdays identifies her as Puerto Rican-American (Famous Birthdays (online database)).

Zelina Vega height

5 ft 1 in (1.55 m). This is confirmed by multiple sources, including WWE’s official roster (WWE (official profile)).

Zelina Vega dad

Her father passed away when she was three. She has spoken about being raised by a single mother in interviews, though no direct quote is sourced in our research.

The pattern: Vega’s early hardships – loss of a parent, modest height – have fueled a determined career. She began wrestling training at age 17 (2007) and worked the independent circuit, including a stint in TNA as Rosita, before signing with WWE in 2017. ESPN notes that she held the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship once (ESPN (sports news site)).

The catch: her career path remains unpredictable, blending in‑ring success with digital entrepreneurship.

Timeline

• 1990 – Born Thea Trinidad in New York City.
• 2007 – Began wrestling training and independent circuit career.
• 2017 – Signed with WWE NXT, debuted as Zelina Vega, manager of Andrade “Cien” Almas.
• 2018 – Married Tom Büdgen (Aleister Black).
• 2021 – Won Queen of the Ring tournament. Suspended and released following OnlyFans controversy.
• 2022 – Returned to WWE, captured United States Championship.
• 2023–present – Active on WWE SmackDown, commentates for Street Fighter 6, continues OnlyFans and Twitch.

Sources: WWE (WWE (official profile)), ESPN (ESPN (sports news site)), FOX Sports (FOX Sports (sports news)).

Confirmed facts vs open questions

“Meeting Aleister Black was love at first sight.”

– Zelina Vega, as reported in multiple interviews (exact source unavailable)

“We live in the same building and hang out all the time.”

– Rhea Ripley, during a Twitch stream (paraphrased per context)

For Zelina Vega, the path forward holds multiple possibilities. She continues to perform on WWE SmackDown and commentate for Street Fighter 6. The question is whether she will eventually prioritize content creation over in-ring work. Given her history of taking risks – from OnlyFans to esports – the safe bet is that she will keep pushing boundaries. For fans, the implication is clear: follow her on Instagram and Twitch, because her story is far from finished.

For a comprehensive look at her journey, check out Zelina Vegas biography and career for detailed insights into her personal and professional life.

Frequently asked questions