Could Vegeta Have Become the True Hero of ‘Dragon Ball Z’ if Goku Didn’t Exist?

Dragon Ball Z | Credits: Crunchyroll

Picture this: a world where Vegeta’s the undisputed hero of Dragon Ball Z. No Goku, no one else standing in his way. Sounds wild, right? That’s the kind of alternate universe that could’ve flipped the entire Dragon Ball Z saga right on its head. Let’s break it down and see if Vegeta had the chops to be the savior of the Saiyans. 

The Saiyan Prince: Small in Stature, Big in Attitude

Vegeta might be small in stature (164 centimeters), but he’s all muscle and menace. He’s got spiky black hair and a look that screams “oh, don’t mess with me!” Even as he grew from his early days with the scouter and tail to his beefed-up form later in the series, he maintained that signature scowl.

But if Goku hadn’t existed, would Vegeta have stepped up as the true hero? Or would he have stayed the same stubborn warrior we first saw, hungry for power and revenge?

The Armor, the Tail, and the Attitude

Back in the Saiyan Saga, Vegeta’s iconic look featured that classic Saiyan armor—complete with shoulder pads and a tail wrapped like a belt. Oh, and let’s not forget that red scouter that gave us all the “over 9000” moments. But over time, he ditched the tail, swapped the gear, and showed up in all kinds of outfits—from the sleeveless tank top in the Buu Saga to that “Bad Man” pink shirt. Yes, he rocked a pink shirt. Talk about confidence!

If there was no Goku, Vegeta’s evolution from a ruthless villain to a defender of Earth might’ve been a much smoother ride. He wouldn’t have to deal with that constant rivalry. Maybe his softer side would’ve surfaced earlier.

From Ruthless Prince to Reluctant Defender

Vegeta’s character arc’s one of the most dynamic in Dragon Ball Z. Initially, he’s all about that ruthless Saiyan pride, ready to conquer Earth and prove his superiority. But after his intense battles with Goku, something shifted. He was still competitive, sure, but a little more—dare we say—human.

In an alternate timeline without Goku, would Vegeta have been forced to take on the mantle of hero? Would he have teamed up with the Z fighters earlier, recognizing the bigger threats like Frieza and Cell sooner? We’d bet on it. He had the skills, the motivation, and that undeniable Saiyan pride driving him.

Battle Armor Evolution: More Than Just a Costume Change

Vegeta’s different armors across the sagas were more than just a fashion statement—they symbolized his growth. From the heavily armored look in the Namek Saga to the stripped-down styles he donned during his training with Whis in Dragon Ball Super, each outfit change marked a shift in his character. And those boots? They even evolved to have a little more flair!

Without Goku to push his buttons, Vegeta might’ve adopted these changes more naturally, transforming into a hero in his own right rather than a rival always playing catch-up.

The Hero He Could’ve Been

Vegeta had everything it took to be the savior of the universe—strength, strategy, and drive. He was the prince of all Saiyans, after all. Without Goku around to steal the spotlight, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Vegeta leading the charge against every major villain in Dragon Ball Z. Picture him going toe-to-toe with Frieza, Cell, and even Majin Buu—on his own terms.

Vegeta as the ultimate hero of Dragon Ball Z? Sure, he might’ve been a little rough around the edges, but in a Goku-less world, Vegeta’s rise to greatness could’ve been legendary. 

That said, Vegeta’s story in Dragon Ball Z’s one of evolution. Without Goku, he might’ve become the true protector of Earth, wearing that Saiyan pride on his sleeve. Would he have done it for the right reasons? Probably not. But let’s be real—Vegeta’s way is always a bit more raw, more rebellious, and absolutely epic.

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