In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, WWE RAW star Zelina Vega took to social media to send a heartfelt message to AEW’s Malakai Black following his intense Barbed Wire Steel Cage match against Adam Copeland (Edge) at Double or Nothing 2024. The event, which took place in Las Vegas, saw Black put up a valiant effort against Copeland, but ultimately came up short as Gangrel intervened to help fight off the House of Black, allowing Copeland to retain the TNT Championship.
In the aftermath of the match, Black shared a graphic photo on Instagram, showcasing the physical toll the brutal match had taken on his body. Vega, taking notice of the photo, responded with a succinct yet endearing message, calling Black “husband” and accompanying it with a heart emoji. The gesture speaks volumes about the respect and admiration Vega has for Black, who, despite his loss, earned the respect of fans and fellow wrestlers alike with his courageous performance.
Vega, a seasoned wrestler in her own right, knows a thing or two about perseverance and overcoming adversity. She made history in 2021 by winning the inaugural Queen’s Crown tournament, but was forced to sit out this year’s Queen of the Ring tournament due to injury. Undeterred, Vega has set her sights on capturing a major title in the company, driven by a desire to prove her doubters wrong.
In an exclusive interview with Wrestling’s Bill Apter last month, Vega revealed her aspirations to become the WWE Women’s Champion, a title that has eluded her thus far. As the sole female member of the Latino World Order, Vega is determined to make her mark and silence her critics.
While it remains to be seen if Vega will ultimately achieve her goal, her message to Black serves as a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among wrestlers across different promotions. As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, it’s refreshing to see displays of kindness and empathy amidst the intense rivalries and competitions.