Zelina Vega recently provided insight into her memorable WWE Backlash 2023 encounter in Puerto Rico, where she challenged Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Speaking on HOT 97, Vega disclosed that the initial plans for the highly emotional match were significantly different from what transpired.
According to Vega, the contest was originally designed to be a very short affair primarily to showcase Rhea Ripley’s dominance. “I remember hearing, okay, the match was gonna be super quick. Whatever. ‘You’re just there to, you know, put over her strength’ and whatever…” Vega stated during the interview. This information aligns with a Fightful Select report published several months after the premium live event, which indicated that the match duration was extended due to Vega’s increasing popularity with the audience and her strong in-ring performances leading up to the event.
Despite the original intentions, the match became a standout moment for Vega. “It (WWE Backlash 2023 versus Rhea Ripley) honestly is one of the most amazing feelings. Not just in my career but in my life, and I didn’t even know that it was gonna be that. That’s another thing. It wasn’t supposed to go like that at all so that’s also why I think it was, like, one of those things that were meant to be,” she reflected. The match ultimately lasted just over seven minutes before Ripley secured the victory to retain her championship.
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Vega also shared a personal dimension to the experience, highlighting her close friendship with Rhea Ripley, whom she humorously referred to as her neighbor. “But she’s also just my weirdo neighbor but anyways… Literally, she moved next door to me so, yeah, we do cosplays randomly together. To be honest though, I’m really glad, if anybody, it was her. Because that moment couldn’t have been more perfect to share with someone that I’m so, so close with so…” Vega explained, underscoring why the moment was particularly special for her.
This look back at a significant career highlight comes as Zelina Vega enjoys new success, having recently become the second WWE Women’s United States Champion by defeating Chelsea Green on the April 25th edition of Friday Night SmackDown. She is also scheduled to compete in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifying match on the May 23 WWE SmackDown against Charlotte Flair and Giulia.
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