On November 13, 2020, WWE announced the release of Zelina Vega.
WWE confirmed to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated that Vega was released by the company due to a breach of contract.
According to Barrasso, Vega "challenged" WWE by opening an OnlyFans account and having a subscription fee of $30. Her account featured exclusive videos and photos of “cosplays, lingerie, swimsuits and more." Vega was also an active Twitch streamer and was reportedly noncompliant with WWE's new policy that has talent hand over third-party accounts.
Vega's husband Aleister Black still worked with the company at the time, but he was released on June 2. Black had just returned to television at the end of May, costing Big E the Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown.
Speaking to Renee Paquette on Oral Sessions, Black gave his thoughts on Vega's release and the position it put him in.
"Two weeks before I came back and hit Big E, I sat down with Vince and he was like, 'Are you ready?' One week later, I'm sitting in the gym and I see a name on the phone calling me. It was a distinct voice and this person also didn't understand why I was let go. It was a sense of relief. They let my wife go, under reasons that are questionable. Everything got sorted out and is fine, but they called me and said, 'We understand this is putting you in a tough spot.' Nope, this is my career, I spoke about it with her and this is business between you and her. Does Tom, her husband have an opinion on it? Sure. Does Aleister Black the professional? Nope. He's ready to go to work and create. She agreed," he said.
On May 13, Fightful Select reported that Vega was at the WWE Performance Center with plans for her to return to the company.
Black commented on those reports, which you can read by clicking here.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
