WWE: Backstage Reaction to Tyra Mae Steele’s WWE Release & Questioning Purpose of WWE LFG, Zelina Vega Reflects on Her WWE Departure, Backstage Update on Scrapped Plans for Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42

Backstage Reaction to Tyra Mae Steele’s WWE Release & Questioning Purpose of WWE LFG

As noted before, WWE LFG Season One winner and NXT and WWE EVOLVE talent Tyra Mae Steele was released by WWE this past Friday as part of a larger batch of talent releases.

The Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez reported that his sources stated that the general reaction within NXT over Steele’s release was one of questioning the whole purpose of the WWE LFG brand if WWE are just going to cut the winner.

“A lot of people in NXT questioning what the point of LFG is if they’re just going to cut the winner.”

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Zelina Vega Reflects on Her WWE Departure

As noted before, Zelina Vega was also among those who were released or departed from WWE this past Friday as part of a larger batch of talent releases.

Following her departure this past Friday, Vega reflected on Twitter about how much her fans have meant the “absolute world” to her and thanked everyone for their support.

“My fans mean the absolute world to me. I’ve lost a lot this year and in my life in general.. but I gained all of you. Thank you. Your support means more than you’ll ever know.”

In a follow-up tweet, Vega also thanked her co-workers, trainers, and everyone who made it possible to do what she did during her time in WWE.

“I know I said it on stream but I also want to thank my co-workers, trainers and everyone who made it possible to do what I did in WWE. The amount of txts I got from all of you warmed my heart to tears. Thank you. I genuinely feel honored to have worked with you.”

In another follow-up post, Vega reflected on Instagram saying farewell to Zelina Vega and the future of her wrestling career as Thea Trinidad.

“Dear Zelina Vega,

Helluva fkn ride kid. 
To all the times they told you that you weren’t enough.
To all the times your family, friends and fans made you feel like you were. 
All the times they said you were too small.
All the times they said your heart and personality makes you 7ft tall.
All the times they said you weren’t talented enough. 
All the times they praised you being great. 
All the times they hated your success.
All the times they screamed for you.
All the times they told you to k*ll yourself and you actually thought about it.
All the times people told you that you helped save their life or inspire them.
All the struggles you overcame. 
All the tears.
All the laughs.
All the happiest days of your life.. 
One word: Thankful. 
I take my husband, family, friends and my fans with me. 

You proved so many people wrong and will continue to do so. It’s isn’t over until Thea Trinidad says so.”

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Backstage Update on Scrapped Plans for Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42

As noted before, WWE officials had considered potential plans at one point for Aleister Black to be involved in Randy Orton’s storyline for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. This would have involved Black being the one trying to being out the old “Apex Predator” version of Orton. This idea was eventually dropped in favor of Pat McAfee being in the role instead.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources confirmed that WWE officials had considered plans at one point for Black to be involved in the story for Orton’s heel turn.

Those spoken to reportedly stated that Black’s role in the storyline was not in any way close to the role McAfee had with Orton.

Meltzer reported that WWE officials also did not have plans for Black to be figured into any role on WrestleMania 42 itself.