This crowd is hyped as Zelina Vega enters with a combo cape/Puerto Rican flag that provides a great visual. She hugs her family members in the front row before heading into the ring, and she’s overcome with emotion at the reaction she gets when announced. Rhea Ripley is stoic as she gets booed while holding up her title belt.
Vega is handed a chancleta from the crowd and hurls it at Ripley, who simply powerbombs Zelina in response and does a cocky cover for a two count. The champ smashes some shoulders into her challenger and does a mocking version of Eddie Guerrero’s shoulder shake, then hurls Vega hard into the turnbuckles.
Ripley looks to be in full control as the fans try their best to rally Vega. Zelina is able to rally and even trade strikes with Ripley, bouncing back out of the corner for clotheslines that aren’t quite able to take Rhea off her feet.
Zelina counters Riptide with a DDT, then delivers a 619 as Ripley is strung along the middle rope. Vega goes up top for a meteora, and she covers but can only get two.
A big kick from Ripley puts Vega on the mat, and the Riptide follows to wrap up a victory for Rhea. Afterward, the crowd gives Vega a standing ovation in a very nice moment.