Xelina continues to honor the memory of her late father, Michael Trinidad, by pursuing a world championship—her ultimate goal 25 years after his death in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year, a day that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including Trinidad. In an interview with The Takedown on SI, Xelina spoke about the profound bond she shared with her father, forged through their mutual love of wrestling, and why winning a world title remains her driving ambition.
She reflected on how wrestling became her refuge after his passing, recalling vivid moments from her childhood—attending shows at Madison Square Garden, watching Rey Mysterio versus Eddie Guerrero at Halloween Havoc in 1997, and cherishing small souvenirs like her Team Extreme foam finger and a Hardy Boyz shirt her father bought her.
“It was the only thing that pulled me out of a dark depression when I was about 15,” she said. “I made a promise then: I’ll bring him a championship. That promise gave me a purpose, a tunnel‑vision focus that kept me fighting through the hardest times.”
Even after capturing the United States Championship and presenting it at the 9/11 Memorial, Xelina says the desire to secure a world title for her father persists. “Whether it’s WWE, House of Glory, TNA, AEW, CMLL, or any other promotion, I’m committed to fulfilling that promise for him,” she added.
She also shared what she believes her father would have wanted for her: pride in staying true to her passion. “He always said I’m the smallest girl with the biggest drive and the biggest mouth. That’s who I am today—loud, in‑your‑face, and determined to achieve every goal,” Xelina explained.
In a separate tribute, former WWE and AEW star Malakai Black honored the late Andy “The Butcher” Williams, who died at 48. Black took to Instagram to recall his friend’s unwavering support and kindness, writing a heartfelt message that underscores the void left in the wrestling community.
The tribute concludes with Black’s call to celebrate loved ones: “Please go out of your way today to tell your friends you love them.”
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