History of Zelina Vega in Timeline

Thea Megan Trinidad Büdgen, known as Zelina Vega, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's SmackDown brand. A former member of the Latino World Order, she has held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and was the inaugural winner of the Queen's Crown tournament in 2021. Her career highlights include significant achievements within the WWE women's division, establishing her as a notable figure in professional wrestling.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 20, 2010: Professional wrestling debut

On February 20, 2010, Thea Trinidad, using the ring name Divina Fly, made her professional wrestling debut for National Wrestling Superstars (NWS) in Bloomfield, New Jersey, losing to Brittney Savage. This marked the beginning of her wrestling career.

June 26, 2010: WSU Tag Team Championship match

On June 26, 2010, Divina Fly and Niya, known as The Fly Girls, competed for the WSU Tag Team Championships but lost to the champions, Cindy Rogers and Jana.

September 11, 2010: Win against Candy Cartwright

On September 11, 2010, Divina Fly secured a victory against Candy Cartwright using a Fly Cutter.

January 11, 2011: Tryout dark match at TNA Impact!

On January 11, 2011, Trinidad wrestled in a tryout dark match at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's (TNA) Impact! television tapings, where she was defeated by Angelina Love.

February 2011: Earned a TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship shot

In February 2011, Rosita and Sarita defeated Angelina Love and Velvet Sky, earning a shot at Love's and Winter's TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship.

May 14, 2011: In-ring debut for Family Wrestling Entertainment (FWE)

On May 14, 2011, Rosita made her in-ring debut for Family Wrestling Entertainment (FWE) at the Meltdown pay-per-view, losing to Winter with Christy Hemme as the special guest referee.

August 2011: CMLL Training and AAA appearance

In August 2011, Rosita trained with CMLL trainers in Mexico and received a contract offer, which she couldn't accept due to TNA's affiliation with AAA. She then appeared on AAA's Sin Límite program, promoting a TNA invasion storyline.

September 5, 2011: Featured in NBC special

On September 5, 2011, Zelina Vega was featured in an NBC special titled "Children of 9/11", highlighting her personal story.

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March 22, 2012: Failed to recapture Knockouts Tag Team Championship

On the March 22, 2012, episode of Impact Wrestling, Rosita and Sarita were defeated by Eric Young and ODB in their attempt to regain the Knockouts Tag Team Championship.

March 24, 2012: FWE Women's Championship challenge

On March 24, 2012, at the Welcome to the Rumble pay-per-view, Rosita unsuccessfully challenged Maria Kanellis for the FWE Women's Championship in a three-way match. Winter became the new champion.

March 4, 2013: WWE Tryout

On March 4, 2013, Thea Trinidad participated in a tryout for WWE.

May 6, 2015: Signed with Global Force Wrestling (GFW)

On May 6, 2015, Global Force Wrestling (GFW) announced Thea Trinidad as part of their roster.

June 12, 2015: GFW Debut and Victory

On June 12, 2015, Trinidad debuted for Global Force Wrestling (GFW) at the GFW Grand Slam Tour in Jackson, Tennessee, defeating Lei'D Tapa.

July 17, 2015: Ring of Honor (ROH) debut as manager

On July 17, 2015, Thea Trinidad made her debut in Ring of Honor (ROH), managing Austin Aries.

August 20, 2015: Profile Removed From GFW Website

On August 20, 2015, Thea Trinidad's profile was removed from the Global Force Wrestling (GFW) website.

September 2, 2016: Debut in Shine Wrestling

On September 2, 2016, Zelina Vega debuted in Shine Wrestling at Shine 37 and defeated Stormie Lee.

September 20, 2016: World Wonder Ring Stardom debut

On September 20, 2016, Zelina Vega debuted in World Wonder Ring Stardom, defeating Kris Wolf.

October 26, 2016: Match against Asuka on NXT

On October 26, 2016, Thea Trinidad faced NXT Women's Champion Asuka on NXT, but lost the match.

June 2017: Signed with WWE and began training at the WWE Performance Center

In June 2017, Thea Trinidad signed a contract with WWE and began training at the WWE Performance Center.

January 27, 2018: Interference at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia

On January 27, 2018, at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, Zelina Vega interfered in Andrade Almas' title defense against Johnny Gargano, performing a diving hurricanrana on Gargano, leading to an attack by Gargano's wife, Candice LeRae.

2018: Marriage to Tom Büdgen

In 2018, Trinidad married Dutch professional wrestler Tom Büdgen, also known as Malakai Black. They reside in Tampa, Florida.

November 13, 2020: WWE Release

On November 13, 2020, WWE announced the release of Thea Trinidad (Zelina Vega) from her contract, reportedly due to her opposition to WWE's policy regarding talent control over third-party platforms after she tweeted support for unionization in professional wrestling.

July 2, 2021: Return to WWE on SmackDown

On July 2, 2021, Zelina Vega made her return to WWE on SmackDown, announcing her participation in the 2021 Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. She also had her in-ring return on the same night, losing to Liv Morgan.

September 10, 2021: Match Cut for Time on SmackDown

On September 10, 2021, Zelina Vega was scheduled to wrestle on SmackDown held in Madison Square Garden, but her match was cut due to time constraints. Vince McMahon apologized to Vega personally.

October 7, 2022: Vega returns to SmackDown and aligns with Legado Del Fantasma

On October 7, 2022, after a seven-month hiatus, Zelina Vega returned on SmackDown, aligning herself with Legado Del Fantasma and attacking Hit Row.

January 28, 2023: Women's Royal Rumble match

On January 28, 2023, at the Royal Rumble, Vega entered the Women's Royal Rumble match at #21. She eliminated Xia Li before being eliminated by Lacey Evans.

August 2023: Launches podcast "ZELVXandCharlieGirl"

In August 2023, Trinidad alongside New Zealand professional wrestler Cheree Crowley (best known as Dakota Kai), launched a new podcast called "ZELVXandCharlieGirl".