It’s extremely rare for an anime series to achieve the level of popularity and acclaim as Akira Toriyama’s ongoing Dragon Ball franchise has. Dragon Ball made early waves as an instant shonen classic when it first debuted in the 1980s, but the franchise has slowly evolved and remained a timeless staple of the genre.
Dragon Ball Super continues the heroic journeys of Goku and friends as they face unprecedented levels of danger. Dragon Ball Super has worked hard to develop its characters in fulfilling ways, and Vegeta has received an increased level of attention. Big changes rock the series after the thrilling events of the Momo arc, some of which have placed Vegeta into a very exciting position.
10 He Refuses The Prospect Of Ultra Instinct
One of the biggest turns that happens towards the end of Dragon Ball Super's anime is that Goku first taps into Ultra Instinct during his battle against Jiren within the Tournament of Power. From that point on, there's been speculation if Vegeta will eventually master this transformation, too. Following the Moro Arc, Beerus explicitly teases Vegeta with the prospect of Ultra Instinct, only for Vegeta to turn it down in exchange for comparable power. Ultra Instinct is described as the Angels’ main means of combat, which doesn't interest Vegeta in the same way that it does Goku.
9 He Lets The Past Sins Of His Race Go
Vegeta remains one of Dragon Ball's most compelling characters because he's a hero who comes from a past that's full of hatred. Dragon Ball Super's manga carefully explores Vegeta's residual guilt over his individual sins, but following his battle with Moro, Vegeta achieves an even healthier level of acceptance. For Vegeta to properly progress, he needs to let go of the past sins of the Saiyan race. It's difficult for Vegeta to do, considering the immense Saiyan pride that courses through his veins, but he's able to successfully view his people in an objective light.
8 He Undergoes Further Training With Beerus
After the fallout with Moro, there's an extended period of calm in Dragon Ball Super. Vegeta and Goku typically spend this free time with intensive training so that they'll be ready for whatever the next threat poses. Vegeta decides to align with Beerus, while Goku trains with Whis, and a sweet bond forms between the two of them.
Vegeta isn't usually the type to submit to someone as their student, so his time under Beerus' tutelage is significant. There's still tension between them, but it's possible that Vegeta would be more inclined to aid Beerus if the opportunity ever arises.
7 He's Able To Acknowledge His Own Humility
Dragon Ball Super is full of incredibly powerful individuals, but there are equally grand egos that go along with this strength. It takes a lot for someone to admit that they're weaker than their opponent, and it speaks to the underdog shonen nature that the series is built upon. Accordingly, it's a major shock when Vegeta admits to Granolah that his opponent's strength and techniques are superior to his own. Vegeta still confidently boasts that he'll be the one to win the fight, but his ability to admit when he's inferior demonstrates significant progress in his state of mind.
6 He Perfects New Techniques
One of the most exciting aspects of Dragon Ball is when new techniques make their debut. Dragon Ball’s characters have more than enough abilities to keep themselves safe in battle, but there's still a tendency to push things further as more dangerous enemies arise. Vegeta's altercation with Granolah provides the opportunity for him to showcase some new techniques that he didn't possess back during his fight with Moro. Sphere of Destruction is an Ultra Ego-driven ability that is supposed to destroy everything that it comes in contact with. Additionally, Vegeta also utilizes a perfected Double Galick Cannon on Granolah.
5 He Establishes What He Loves So Much About Fighting
Dragon Ball Super’s characters often exhibit a deeply exaggerated love for a good battle. Vegeta loves to fight, but his driving force on the matter has never really been dissected. Vegeta gets a chance to elucidate on the subject as he and Granolah give each other their worst.
Vegeta praises how in a battle, there's never a guarantee on who will win and that they're full of surprises. He's fueled on "pure battle" where there are no greater stakes like an exploding planet or someone to save. It's just the love of the fight for him.
4 He Learns That Beerus Is Responsible For The Destruction Of Planet Vegeta
One of the bigger events in the larger Dragon Ball canon is the destruction of Planet Vegeta by Frieza. This act didn't just endanger the Saiyan population, but it established Vegeta's undying grudge against Frieza. It's therefore quite a big deal when Beerus lets Vegeta know that Planet Vegeta's destruction was actually his doing. Beerus is the one who told Frieza to carry out this action. Beerus tells Vegeta this to further motivate him and push him down the path that he's on, but it's a hard pill for him to swallow.
3 He Masters The Foundation Of Ultra Ego
Vegeta and Goku are Dragon Ball Super's biggest characters, and their progress is often compared and contrasted in relation to one another. Vegeta's next step is in question after Goku heads down the route of Ultra Instinct, but he finds his way once Beerus opens the Saiyan's eyes to Ultra Ego. Ultra Ego is the inverse of Ultra Instinct, and it's the God of Destruction path versus the method of the Angels. This feels much more fitting for Vegeta, as it's a fighting style that's built around embracing attacks rather than dodging them.
2 He Learns How To Use Hakai Destruction
Characters in Dragon Ball have many choices when it comes to the different destructive energy techniques that they turn to to handle their problems. Dragon Ball Super introduces Hakai, a move that's first seen used by Beerus and is the trademark maneuver of Gods of Destruction. Beerus coaches Vegeta in this area, and he slowly learns how to utilize Hakai energy rather than just a regular energy blast. He slowly proceeds to larger targets, and Beerus gives Vegeta a special God of Destruction Hakai earring as proof of his proficiency in the field.
1 He's Aware Of The Cerelian's Past And Their History With The Saiyans
Part of what makes Dragon Ball Super so entertaining is that it's established a wide universe with a rich history and many different alien races that have been featured as both friends and foes. Vegeta is quite worldly, and most of the new species that invade are on Vegeta’s radar. Vegeta educates both Goku and Granolah on the real history of the Cerelian people after he's able to connect some dots. Vegeta proceeds to learn about the Cerelians' abilities with their evolved right eyes for long-range attacks.