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Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, Zelina Vega Are WWE’s Next Ultimate Opportunists

By Kevin Parvizi

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Though they haven’t won a truly big match on the main roster yet, the unique talent that both Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega possess have managed to shine through. Their cutthroat, me-first viciousness indicates that big things are ahead for WWE’s next “Ultimate Opportunists”.

Edge is one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history with a bevy of accomplishments as both a singles star and tag team legend. “The Rated R Superstar” could excel in any role – heel or face, for instance – asked of him, but by far the most memorable iteration of his character was the “Ultimate Opportunist”. There was a singular moment that led to this character being born, and that was his sudden, precedent-setting Money in the Bank cash-in on John Cena.

While Edge and Andrade “Cien” Almas couldn’t be more dissimilar in in-ring style or physical presentation, I envision both Almas and his business associate Zelina Vega becoming WWE’s next versions of this character.

I remember when Almas was portrayed as the “pretty boy” in NXT who only cared about partying. He racked up losses and settled into a state of complacency, as NXT seemed to be building him up as an under-achiever. Fans familiar with Almas’s work as a former IWGP Intercontinental Champion and founding member of Los Ingobernables de Japon understood that “La Sombra” could eventually become NXT’s biggest stars.

And that’s exactly what happened when he met up with Zelina Vega.

The relationship between Vega and Almas is “complicated”, because Vega has brought up the fact that these two have history together. This history has never been specified, and the ambiguity of their relationship makes their story much more compelling.

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Although fans do speculate whether or not their characters are supposed to be in a relationship that goes beyond business, the fact that this is never explicitly stated is refreshing. Vega, for all intents and purposes, is here to manage Almas to the top, getting the most out of a young star who can, in turn, help her make a name for herself as one of wrestling’s most valuable strategists.

Vega’s involvement in Almas’s career has made her absolutely essential to his success, and it’s to the point where it would be impossible to envision Almas prospering without her. I mean, he obviously could do well on his own due to his innate charisma and elite-level wrestling chops, but he wouldn’t feel as special.

Between the two of them, Vega is the more cerebral and opportunistic. Her genius can be readily seen in any of her interactions with other superstars. Take, for example, her backstage confrontation with AJ Styles before an episode of SmackDown Live on July 17 (post Extreme Rules).

This is an example of Vega shrewdly creating an opportunity for her client at a moment where Styles might be vulnerable. He had just successfully defended his title on Pay Per View against an upstart Rusev, who nearly upset Styles in a back-and-forth match. Rusev is known for his punishing style, so the smaller Styles likely incurred a great deal of damage.

So two nights later, Vega hits up Styles, knowing full well that his pride will force him to accept their challenge. There’s no title on the line in this match, but it’s an opportunity for Almas to make a name for himself.

Unfortunately, Almas comes up short, tapping out to the Calf Crusher rather quickly. It’s a sign that for as good as Almas is, he’s still just 28 and not ready to win the WWE Championship in the big leagues. He doesn’t quite have the resolve to defeat someone likes Styles, but that’s OK. He’s beaten the likes of Johnny Gargano and Drew McIntyre before. The big wins will come in due time.

Until then, Vega and Almas will keep plugging away, carving out opportunities for themselves, just as they did en route to Almas’s NXT Championship victory.

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz is the long-term feud in WWE right now. But guess who interjected themselves into the middle of this heated rivalry to boost their own stock? Yup, Vega and Almas, who are busy trying to make life hell for Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan. Almas took Bryan to the brink before tapping out, earning the respect of anyone who watched that match.

Each week, Almas comes closer and closer to picking up a marquee victory over a top babyface like Bryan or Styles, and it feels like that breakthrough win could be coming sooner rather than later.

More importantly, Almas is chipping away at building momentum for a career-defining moment. You know, the type of moment that Edge had when he cashed in the briefcase on Cena in 2006.

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Don’t lie, the Money in the Bank briefcase would look good in Almas and Vega’s hands, and it would definitely fit the nature of their characters. When they see someone is vulnerable, they attack without mercy. Because whether it’s Vega screaming “Knees!” or Almas chopping the life out of an opponent’s chest, WWE’s next power couple is hungry to prove themselves by imprinting their brand on anyone worth taking down.