"She was crying real tears" - Dutch Mantell thinks WWE Backlash was a turning point in female star's career (Exclusive)
WWE Backlash 2023 in Puerto Rico was one of the best premium live events of the year. As good as the matches were, the show was truly elevated by the amazing crowd. Nobody benefitted from the fans more than Zelina Vega and Dutch Mantell echoed that thought.
Zelina Vega took on Rhea Ripley in a SmackDown Women's Championship match at WWE Backlash 2023. Even though she lost to the Australian star, the 32-year-old superstar received a massive ovation from the crowd, which made her visibly emotional.
On the latest edition of Sportskeeda's Smack Talk, Dutch Mantell discussed Zelina Vega's match against Asuka. The veteran stated that despite him not being a big fan of Zelina, the bout against the Empress of Tomorrow was very good.
He further stated that WWE is building on her momentum from Backlash.
"Let me say one thing. I am not a big Zelina Vega fan, her wrestling leaves a lot to be desired. But tonight, her and Asuka, they had a hell of a match. I thought it was very very good and they're building on to her reception in Puerto Rico. I think that really did move Zelina, she was crying real tears in that ring. One thing about Puerto Rican fans, if you're from Puerto Rico and you have success, they love you to death," Dutch Mantell said. [From 47:00 – 50:00]
Rhea Ripley spoke about Zelina Vega's reception at WWE Backlash 2023
Rhea Ripley defeated Zelina Vega in an intense match at WWE Backlash 2023. The Eradicator retained her title in the process.
Zelina Vega backstage after her Backlash match 🇵🇷 https://t.co/ArSAFVN1XH
Being one of the most popular stars in the world, the Nightmare was worried if 'Mami' chants would affect Zelina Vega's reception,
"I was very excited for her, but then I went out there, and it all turned into mami chants, and I was like, ‘Oh.’ It’s cool to hear, don’t get me wrong, but I was thinking about later that night, and I was like, 'Oh no, hopefully, Mami chants don’t drown anything out,' because I know how special this event is to her because I know how special it would be for me to be able to perform in Australia, so I can relate to that."
The Judgment Day member continued:
"When I went out there first, and I got the mami chants, I was [worried] but wanted to see what happened when her music hit. The crowd just like turned on me instantly." [H/T: Fightful Select]
Following her loss to Asuka, it remains to be seen if Zelina Vega's fortunes in terms of wins and losses will change in the coming months.
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