Short answers, pulled from the story.
Vega was created by character designer Akira Yasuda and game director Akira Nishitani for the 1991 release of Street Fighter II. The design process involved artist Mizuho Kageyama, who developed the final concept after being redirected from a Thai ninja design to a Spanish ninja concept.
Vega first appeared in 1991 as one of the four final bosses in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior. He later became a playable character in subsequent titles including Street Fighter Alpha 3, Street Fighter IV, and Street Fighter V.
Director Akira Nishitani chose the name Balrog for the Spanish ninja because it sounded strong. The name was later changed to Vega in North America to avoid legal trouble with boxer Mike Tyson, whose real name was used for the character Mike Bison.
Vega was born into Spanish nobility and developed post-traumatic stress disorder after his mother was killed by his violent stepfather. His mask and razor-sharp claw were designed to protect his face and eliminate anything he deems ugly, reflecting his obsession with beauty.
Vega appears in live-action films such as Future Cops and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, as well as animated series including Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie and Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation. He also appears in video games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Street Fighter Duel.