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Zelina Vega, Damian Priest want WWE back in Puerto Rico: “That day was my WrestleMania”

Zelina Vega is advocating for WWE to return to Puerto Rico after the success of Backlash 2023, echoing Damian Priest's sentiments. Vega, now the WWE Women’s United States Champion after defeating Chelsea Green, aims to defend her title at SummerSlam. She also expressed her desire to defend her title internationally and revealed a close bond with Rhea Ripley.
Zelina Vega, Damian Priest want WWE back in Puerto Rico: “That day was my WrestleMania”
Image via WWE
WWE Superstar Zelina Vega has expressed her desire to see WWE return to Puerto Rico for another major event, more than a year after the electrifying atmosphere at WWE Backlash 2023. Vega, who featured prominently on the card, shared that fellow star Damian Priest has also been actively pushing for the company to revisit the island.Speaking on Good Karma Wrestling, Vega described the Puerto Rico crowd as “second to none” and called the experience one of the most emotional moments of her life.“That day was my WrestleMania,” she said. “There just has to be another event in Puerto Rico. I didn’t know what ‘most electrifying crowd’ meant until that day.”
Zelina Vega on Puerto Rico, Becoming US Champ, Dream Opponent and More | #WWE #wrestling
At Backlash 2023, Vega challenged Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Despite losing, her homecoming ovation brought her to tears in the ring. On the same night, Damian Priest took on music star Bad Bunny in a San Juan Street Fight - one of the event’s most talked-about matches.

Vega hits title milestone, eyes major SummerSlam defense

Zelina Vega’s journey since that emotional night has been nothing short of impressive. On the April 25, 2025 episode of SmackDown, she defeated Chelsea Green to become the second-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion - her first singles title in WWE.Looking ahead, Vega wants to be a fighting champion and is already planning for SummerSlam.“I want to be walking into SummerSlam with this title, and walking out with it,” she told WESH 2 News. “If Chelsea wants to go again, great. But I’d also love to face someone like Mia Yim. We go way back to the indies.”Vega’s passion for representation and competition has made her a standout on SmackDown. She’s expressed interest in defending the title internationally, including in promotions like AAA and STARDOM - reinforcing her desire to grow as a global champion.Zelina Vega also revealed a unique off-screen bond with former rival Rhea Ripley. The two now happen to be neighbors and often engage in cosplay sessions together.“If I had to share that moment with anyone, I’m glad it was her,” Vega said.As both Vega and Priest continue their rise in WWE, their push for a return to Puerto Rico reflects not just pride, but a shared belief that the island deserves the spotlight once again.Whether it’s 2025 or beyond, fans - and Superstars, are waiting.

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