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Former WWE Star Was Emotional During Backlash Title Match

By John Canton • Published 7th May 2023
wwe backlash zelina vega rhea ripley

A former WWE star was emotional watching the reception that Zelina Vega received from the crowd during her title match at Backlash.

The Smackdown Women’s Title match at WWE Backlash in San Juan, Puerto Rico was seen as a one-sided affair going into it. Since Rhea Ripley just won the title at WrestleMania 39 one month ago, it would have been a big surprise to see her lose in her first major title defense against Zelina Vega.

During her entrance, Zelina Vega had the Puerto Rican flag as part of her attire along with her entrance gear. She comes from a Puerto Rican family, she had her mom, stepdad and brother in the crowd as well. The fans were strongly behind her too.

Rhea Ripley used her size advantage to overpower Vega throughout the match. However, Vega did have a good nearfall during the match with a Meteora double knee attack. Ripley was able to come back and hit a Riptide slam for the pinfall win to keep her title.

After the match, Ripley left ringside and Vega was able to soak in the cheers from the crowd in Puerto Rico that appreciated her performance despite coming up short in the match. Vega was very emotional during the match and after it was over too.

On Twitter, former WWE star Ricardo Rodriguez commented on how he shed a tear for Zelina Vega as she performed in front of the Puerto Rican crowd.

“Years ago we did WWE Tv in Mexico City and I can not begin to tell you how much that meant to me. To be representing our people. It may not mean a lot to many. But I legit shed a tear seeing @ZelinaVegaWWE as she stood within hers. I felt that moment.”

Ricardo Rodriguez worked for WWE from 2010 to 2014 and his most prominent role was as the personal ring announcer of Alberto Del Rio.

Zelina Vega was drafted to Smackdown with the Latino World Order in the most recent WWE draft.