Zelina Vega WWE departure and career transition

Professional wrestler Xelina (formerly Zelina Vega) has reflected on her April 2026 release from WWE, which occurred following WrestleMania 42. In recent media appearances, she described the departure as initially feeling like a failure, particularly because it interrupted her goal of winning a world championship to honor her late father.

Vega has since returned to the independent wrestling circuit, including a September 4 appearance at House of Glory where she competed in a Triple Threat Match. She has noted that she was “very much miserable” during the final stages of her WWE tenure but has since regained a “wrestling glow” by returning to a more creative environment.

On the ‘ZELVX and CHARLIE GIRL’ podcast, Vega expanded on these sentiments, noting that her unhappiness during her final months with WWE was likely visible to fans. She observed that viewers have frequently commented on how much happier she appears since transitioning to independent wrestling. Vega attributed her improved morale to increased creative freedom and the opportunity to work alongside friends. Additionally, she stated she is prepared to respond directly to social media trolls and negative comments targeting her profile.