Today marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a national tragedy that left thousands dead and thousands more bereaved. For former WWE star Kelina (aka Zelina Vega), the event hit particularly close to home as her father, an analyst, worked on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center. among the victims that fateful day.
on the latest edition ““Destroyed Open Radio”. Kelina looked back on her fondest memories of her late father, Michael Trinidad. She also opened up about the importance of taking the WWE Women’s United States Championship to the 9/11 Memorial, which honors her and the nearly 3,000 other people who died in the terrorist attacks.
“From making huge ‘Just Bring It’ signs at MSG, to my dad dressing up as ‘The Rock’ and doing ‘People’s Eyebrows,’ to Dwayne and his daughter going and seeing his name, going to the 9/11 memorial and going to hang out and FaceTime me when they went to see his name. Helina asked. “But yeah, he was always just someone looking out for people, making sure my brother and I were always happy and joking and laughing.”
“… It’s weird because I was able to bring the United States Championship to the 9/11 memorial,” he continued. “I was there with you guys when it happened, but even in that I always promised that I was going to bring the world title here.”
Xelina captured the WWE Women’s US Title April 25, 2025 edition of “WWE SmackDown” defeating Chelsea Greene. His reign lasted 63 days before ending at the hands of Julia.
Chelina remains a “fighter”
More than two decades removed from the tragic events of September 11, Khelina aims to keep alive the name and memory of her late father. Fortunately, he had no problem doing so, as wrestling fans have honored him and his daughter in many ways.
“When fans go and take pictures next to his name, it’s incomprehensible to me,” said Khelina. “Or when they make signs in his name. Those are the things that I think are achievements as well, because ultimately I didn’t want his memory, his name to die with him. I wanted to keep bringing him with me regardless. I think that’s important to me, just that he lives on through my brother, and I know what people can do with a book. At the end of the day, whether I want it to be or not, it’s my life, it’s my story, and it’s something I’ve had to work with to be comfortable with.”
Khelina was only 10 years old at the time of the attackswith his schoolmates and friends unsure of how to approach him next. However, over time, Kelina has come to accept her connection to it, so much so that many others now feel comfortable opening up to her about their own family losses.
While she continues to bear the brunt of her personal loss, Kelina noted that she also struggles with depression, anxiety and ADHD. Still, he intends to be a “fighter” through it all.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, credit Busted Open Radio with ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.