Rhea Ripley continued her dominant reign as WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, getting a big win over Zelina Vega at WWE Backlash.
Despite the crowd in San Juan pulling for Vega, Ripley proved to be too much for the superstar in the match. Following a back-and-forth start to the match, Ripley was able to flip the momentum and dominate Vega, ending the match with a big Riptide.
After the match ended, Ripley left the ring with her title, and Vega was cheered on by the crowd, bringing the superstar to tears.
For a recap of how the match ended, check out below courtesy of our live, play-by-play coverage:
The crowd is solidly behind Vega. They are going crazy and the match hasn’t started yet. Ripley sends Ripley into the corner. Vega dodges and lands a head kick. Ripley rolls out of the ring and her mother hands her a chancla. The crowd pops. Vega tosses it at Ripley. Ripley gets upset and gives chase. Vega tries a diving ranna off the top but Ripley reverses it into a massive powerbomb. Ripley works over Vega. Ripley tries a shoulder block and ends up getting posted. Vega fires back with a few strikes.
Clothesline by Vega. Ripley doesn’t go down. Another clothesline by Vega. Ripley is still on her feet. Vega tries again and runs into a headbutt. Ripley tries Riptide but Vega reverses it into a DDT. 619 by Vega. Vega lands a top rope Meteora. Ripley cuts out at 2.9. Vega hits the ropes and runs right into a head kick by Ripley. Ripley hits Riptide for the win.
Winner and STILL SmackDown Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley!
