WWE Switched Initial Plan For Rhea Ripley And Zelina Vega’s Backlash Match

WWE have brought Backlash to Puerto Rico and fans in San Juan are getting ready for a night filled with pro wrestling. Puerto Rican fans have seen several representations on the card, including Bad Bunny, Damian Priest and Zelina Vega. Looks like they almost cut Vega a lot of time on the card.

Zelina Vega went up to Rhea Ripley for the title at Backlash, but she didn’t win the match. Few fans really thought Vega would win, and some expected a squash match. Turns out that was also the plan at one point.

WWE has really made Zelina Vega the center of attention since the LWO started. She has appeared in the last two big games, at Money in the Bank and Backlash, however, it may not have been on the cards at first.

Sean Sapp noted behind Fightful’s charge wall that WWE originally planned for Rhea Ripley to defeat Zelina Vega in a squash match. They changed plans and everything seemed to work out.

wrestlingnesplus learned that the original plan for Zelina’s world title match in Puerto Rico was for Rhea Ripley to crush her, no matter what. regardless of Zelina’s geographic location and relationships. However, a change was made and Zelina ended up having a match that was well received and caused a special reaction from the public in Puerto Rico. We also heard that Rhea Ripley was happy to respond to a rebooking request.

The report went on to note that “much of the spike that followed was a result of the performance. Zelina’s performance and the reception she received from The Crowd.WWE sources familiar with the matter reported that the final change was great for the participants as it helped WWE, Zelina and him that gave Ripley a memorable title defense.”

We’ll have to see what happens in the future for Zelina Vega. At one time it was on the list, but never got used. Certainly not at all and his association with the LWO gives him even more screen time.