Street Fighter 6 adds WWE Superstar Zelina Vega as commentator
Fans watching the WWE’s Royal Rumble were treated to a paid Street Fighter 6 promotion featuring wrestler Zelina Vega dressed up as Korean fighter Juri from the game. However, it looks like that isn’t where the collaboration between Capcom and the WWE ends. Zelina Vega—Thea Trinidad in real life—will also appear in Street Fighter 6 as part of the game’s real-time commentary roster.
Capcom is adding Real-Time Commentary Feature to Street Fighter 6 that incorporates the voices of popular fighting game community commentators into the game. Previously confirmed voices included the likes of Jeremy “Vicious” Lopez, Steve “Tasty Steve” Scott and EVO regular James “jchensor” Chen. (Read: Street Fighter 6 features simplified controls as an option)
Vega’s inclusion represents the first time a professional wrestler is being added to the game. Though that’s not to say that Vega isn’t a fan of fighting games herself, having cosplayed as various fighting game characters in the ring in the past (including the 2019 Royal Rumble).
I’ve been an avid gamer since I was a child and a huge fan of Street Fighter,” she said in a press release. “I can still remember epic matches with my brother, and I would always beat him with my favorite character Vega. It’s surreal to now be a part of this amazing franchise and I am honored and thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“Thea Trinidad, also known as WWE Superstar Zelina Vega, has climbed to the top rope and somersaulted directly into Street Fighter 6 as the newest addition to the in-game commentator roster,” reads Capcom’s overview on her addition. “Thea, a longtime Street Fighter fan, brings her strength, style, and electrifying personality to the growing roster of illustrious color commentators in Street Fighter 6.”
That a pro-wrestler is being features in a fighting game should come as no surprise as both mediums have had something of a love affair in recent years. Tekken 7 famously had a collaboration with New Japan Pro Wrestling, with various bits of NJPW ring gear being available for use in character customization. Meanwhile, Florida-based tournament Community Effort Orlando has held collaborations with many wrestling promotions, first with NJPW then eventually with All-Elite Wrestling which has led to the latter’s first Fyter Fest event in 2019, thanks in part to the efforts of wrestler Kenny Omega—a self-avowed fan of the genre.
With these in mind, it’s likely that fans can expect more crossovers between fighting games and pro-wrestling in the future beyond Zelina Vega appearing in Street Fighter 6.
Street Fighter 6 launches on June 2, 2023 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
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