Zelina Vega Opens Up About Father She Lost On 9/11

Seventeen years ago, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, including Michael Trinidad, father of WWE Superstar Zelina Vega.

The fuel to the fire in my heart to keep fighting every day. I love you Dad. Everything I do is to make you proud..quitting isn't an option. pic.twitter.com/9Mp9BEj7Yx

— Zelina Vega (@Zelina_VegaWWE) January 15, 2017

Trinidad worked as a telecom analyst for the financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald. He was on the 103rd floor when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

In honor of the anniversary of the attacks, Vega sat down for a candid interview with Renee Young to discuss how 9/11 changed her life, how she came to forgive herself for not saying goodbye to her father on that unforgettable day, and how their shared love of pro wrestling drove her to pursue her dreams for them both.

Watch below, and be sure to get the tissues ready.

Following the release of the interview, Vega posted a heartfelt message on Twitter, vowing to always “celebrate and represent for you Daddy.”

Even 17 years later it’s still hard to breathe when they get close to reading his name at the #911Memorial ceremony but today and everyday I celebrate and represent for you Daddy. I’m on my way to Cajundome for #SDLive and live our dream. Thank you all for the luv 🙏🏽#TRANQUILO pic.twitter.com/N3kAvvyJQu

— Zelina Vega (@Zelina_VegaWWE) September 11, 2018

This is not the first time Vega has shared her 9/11 story. She’s been very open about it on social media, and in 2011 she was featured in a critically acclaimed NBC documentary, “Children of 9/11.” She also spoke about her father in an out-of-character interview on TNA’s No Surrender pay-per-view, which took place on the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

Additionally, Vega’s mother, Monique Ferrer, approached StoryCorps with Trinidad’s story, which they turned into a short cartoon called, “Always a Family.”

The tragic events of 9/11 touched an innumerable amount of lives, but Vega’s story resonates with anyone who has ever lost a parent well before their time, as well as anyone who has ever pursued their dreams in honor of a loved one. Michael Trinidad and the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on in Vega’s excellent work inside the squared circle.