In recent times, WWE has been thriving under the helm of Triple H’s creative vision, garnering significant support from fans.
However, despite this success, certain members of the WWE Universe have voiced dissatisfaction with the booking decisions surrounding Zelina Vega, expressing their frustrations on social media following yet another loss for the star on SmackDown.
Having been part of the Stamford-based promotion for nearly seven years, the 33-year-old’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs. Following her release from her contract in 2020, she made a comeback to the company just eight months later.
While predominantly serving as a manager during her initial stint, Zelina has been actively competing in the ring since her return in 2021.
In the latest episode of SmackDown, the Latina World Order member squared off against Tiffany Stratton in a Women’s Elimination Chamber qualification match.
Despite it being only Stratton’s second match on the main roster, she secured a victory over Vega, aided by some interference from Legado del Fantasma members among the crowd.
Feels like Zelina Vega is always used to make others look better.
She deserves more. #SmackDown #WWE #WWEChamber pic.twitter.com/5Mc5CIFThy
— Steve Fall | WrestlingNews.co (@SteveFall) February 17, 2024
This defeat extends Zelina Vega’s ongoing losing streak on television, with her last victory dating back to August last year. Disappointed fans have expressed their frustration at the perceived trend of Vega being used as a stepping stone for other talents.
Furthermore, a concerning incident unfolded during SmackDown involving Zelina Vega and Tiffany Stratton, where a botched move led to Stratton’s knees appearing to collide with Vega’s ribs during the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Dutch Mantell, a veteran of WWE, weighed in on the incident during his recent appearance on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s SmackTalk, offering advice to both wrestlers:
“I didn’t see her grabbing; I thought I would see her grabbing… Well, she needs to learn to do that a little better, or Zelina Vega needs to know how to adjust if she sees she is coming down short. Just move in a little bit. It won’t take many of those to get her to do that.”
Mantell emphasized the importance of talents rehearsing challenging maneuvers before shows to avoid such incidents:
“I would say when they go out there before the show goes on air and they’re going through that, I think we need to give her some crash pads and let her draw somebody out there and say, ‘Land right here.’ […] You can get it right here, straight across the nose; the nose is broken, and you’d be out for a month or six weeks.”
Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton has secured her place in the Women’s Elimination match at WWE’s upcoming event, alongside Becky Lynch, Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Liv Morgan, with the final spot set to be determined on RAW next week.
