If there is one thing fans of Zelina Vega know, it’s that she loves her anime. Over the years the WWE superstar’s fandom has shined through, whether it’s wearing inspired ring gear or rocking red carpet looks.
Among her memorable ensembles include Madara Uchiha from Naruto and Kyojuro Rengoku of the manga series Dragon Slayer. She recently paid tribute to the Dragon Slayer villain Daki at the Hall of Fame with a look that would have killed at the Met Gala.
Earlier this year LWO’s (Latino World Order) spitfire recently ventured to Japan to present at the 7th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards. She announced “Best Anime Song” and “Best Romance,” in an experience the 32-year-old described as a dream come true.
We’ll see what ring attire Vega puts together when she challenges for the SmackDown women’s championship against Rhea Ripley at Backlash in Puerto Rico on May 6. Given the popular talent’s boricua roots, she may decide to go patriotic for the Bad Bunny headlining event. Regardless, it’s anime that’s helping her prepare mentally for battle.
“I keep Rengoku’s last speech in my head,” she said. “If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze. I actually have set your heart ablaze tattoos on me. It keeps me focused on matches like this.”
In the days leading up to one of the biggest matches of her career, we asked Vega, real name Thea Trinidad, to run down her Top 10 most influential anime shows ever.
WWE Backlash, May 6, 8/7c, Peacock
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This story originally appeared on TV Insider
