What Led To Zelina Vega And Aleister Black’S Shocking Wwe Exits Back In The Day?

  • By Daiana
  • Oct. 26, 2025, 6:05 a.m.

The Rollercoaster Journey of Zelina Vega and Aleister Black in WWE

Hey, wrestling fans! If you’ve been keeping up with WWE’s SmackDown, you’ve probably noticed the electric chemistry between Zelina Vega and Aleister Black. This real-life married duo is back for their second run with the Stamford-based powerhouse, and they’re making waves with a dark, captivating gimmick. But let’s rewind a bit - why did WWE let go of this dynamic pair in the first place?

Their first exits weren’t just quiet farewells; they were packed with drama, fan outrage, and some serious backstage tension. Both Vega and Black faced unexpected releases, but for very different reasons. Stick with us as we unpack the juicy details behind their departures and how they clawed their way back to the ring.

Zelina Vega’s Bold Stand and Sudden Exit

Let’s start with Zelina Vega, who found herself in hot water with WWE on November 13, 2020. At the time, the company was cracking down hard on wrestlers dabbling in third-party platforms like Twitch, Cameo, and even OnlyFans. Vega, a passionate content creator with a thriving Twitch channel and an OnlyFans page featuring cosplay and lingerie shoots, wasn’t about to back down quietly.

She took a public stand against WWE’s strict policy, even tweeting her support for unionization just minutes before her contract was terminated. Talk about a mic drop! Her bold move - tweeting, “I support unionization” - sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with fans and media buzzing for days over WWE’s swift reaction under Vince McMahon’s iron rule.

“I’m not backing down from who I am. Wrestling is my heart, and I’ll fight for what I believe in, no matter the cost,” Vega reportedly said during a heartfelt Twitch stream shortly after her release.

How Zelina Vega Bounced Back Stronger

Far from letting her firing dim her shine, Vega doubled down on her convictions. She continued streaming on Twitch, connecting with fans, and exploring new opportunities in entertainment. Her resilience paid off when she made a jaw-dropping return to WWE on July 2, 2021, proving she wasn’t done with the squared circle just yet.

Since her comeback, Vega’s racked up some serious accolades, including becoming the inaugural Queen of the Ring and briefly holding the Women’s United States Championship (before losing it to current champ Giulia). While she’s still a midcard talent under Triple H’s creative direction, her recent pairing with Aleister Black has fans buzzing with excitement for what’s next.

Seeing her stand up for herself and still return to dominate - now that’s the kind of comeback story we can’t get enough of! Her journey shows grit, and with her husband by her side, the future looks wickedly promising.

Aleister Black’s Unexpected WWE Release

Now, let’s turn to Aleister Black, whose exit from WWE wasn’t quite as fiery as his wife’s but still left fans scratching their heads. On June 2, 2021, Black was released alongside other notable names like Braun Strowman and Ruby Riott, with the company citing budget cuts as the reason. Unlike Vega’s dramatic departure, his release felt more like a cold, corporate decision.

Black, who also streams on Twitch under his real name Tommy End, opened up about the cut during a live session, sharing that he was blindsided by the news. Reports from Fightful Select at the time clarified that Vince McMahon wasn’t downsizing for a sale, leaving many to wonder why such a talented star was let go (via WrestleTalk).

After his WWE exit, Black joined AEW as Malakai Black, honing his craft before returning to the now TKO-owned WWE on April 25, 2025. Despite his sharp in-ring skills and haunting promos, he’s yet to get the big push he deserves - even after losing two United States Championship open challenges to Damian Priest. Fingers crossed his sinister team-up with Vega sparks something huge!

Together Again: What’s Next for This Power Couple?

Fast forward to today, and Zelina Vega and Aleister Black are finally sharing the spotlight on SmackDown, blending their talents in a dark, intriguing storyline. It’s the kind of pairing that gets fans hyped - real-life chemistry with an on-screen edge. But with both stars still waiting for that career-defining push, we can’t help but wonder what WWE has in store.

Will Triple H unleash their full potential, or will they remain midcard mysteries? One thing’s for sure - their journey from shocking releases to epic returns proves they’ve got the fight to keep us hooked. So, tell us, are you rooting for this duo to dominate? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the convo rolling!

Whether they’re battling personal setbacks or in-ring rivals, Vega and Black are a reminder of why we love wrestling - it’s unpredictable, emotional, and oh-so-addictive. Keep your eyes on this couple; their story is far from over.

Daiana
Author: Daiana