At WWE Backlash, Zelina Vega took on Rhea Ripley in what was the biggest match of her career to date.
Not only because she was challenging for the SmackDown Women’s Title, but because she was doing so in her ancestral homeland of Puerto Rico.
With her family seated at ringside, Vega entered the squared circle to a heroes welcome and was visibly emotional during the pre-match introductions. While it was announced on commentary that Vega was dedicating the match to her father who passed away in the 9/11 attacks.
During the match itself, Ripley was simply too strong and eventually picked up the win, despite a spirited effort from the challenger. Once the match was over and Ripley had headed backstage, Vega was given a lengthy standing ovation from the 17,000-strong in attendance.
Looking back on the match on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray and Mark Henry suggested that WWE missed an opportunity by not making Vega champion, even for just a few days. Bully Ray explained that sometimes things are just bigger than the wrestling business.
“There are certain times in this business you do things for other reasons beyond just the business,” he said. “I don’t think Zelina is a better wrestler than Rhea, but if there was ever a moment for Rhea to slip on a banana peel and for [Zelina] to get the one-two-three, it was that night in Puerto Rico, just so we could see that championship around her waist with her family coming in the ring [and] looking up at dad in the heavens …
Why not put that championship on her for two days? Why not get her over to the 9/11 memorial to take some pictures … at her dad’s final resting place that she can have forever and ever?”
Former WWE Superstar Reveals Tears Watching Zelina Vega
Zelina Vega’s efforts touched many watching, not just in the arena but fans around the world. Posting on social media, Ricardo Rodriguez said that the feeling of representing your people is incredibly powerful, admitting he shed a tear watching Vega walk out in Puerto Rico.
H/t to Wrestling Inc