NXT’s Zaria made her official SmackDown in-ring debut on Friday night, teaming with Sol Ruca for a statement win over Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green. Competing as “ZaRuca,” the duo kept their momentum going in the race for Women’s Tag Team title opportunities. For Zaria, it was a strong first step toward establishing herself on the main roster.
The match came together earlier in the show after a backstage exchange in General Manager Nick Aldis’ office. Zaria and Ruca were discussing a title shot when Fyre and Green interrupted. With Piper Niven sidelined, Green offered the NXT duo a spot in her “Secret Hervice.” The offer was quickly turned down, prompting Aldis to make the tag team match official for later that night.
This pursuit of championship gold isn’t new for ZaRuca. Just a week earlier, they confronted WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair in the locker room, openly requesting a shot at the titles. Friday’s victory served as the latest step in that climb.
Zaria impressed in her debut performance. Starting the match against Fyre, she immediately took control, landing a big boot in the corner and a diving clothesline from the middle rope. She later rocked Green with a headbutt before tagging in Ruca, showing poise under the spotlight.
Although Fyre and Green managed to keep Ruca isolated for a stretch, Zaria’s comeback changed the tide. She yanked Fyre off the apron and slammed her into the barricade, leaving Green vulnerable. That opening allowed Ruca to escape an “Unprettier” attempt and hit her Sol Snatcher finisher for the pin.
The win gave the NXT team a major boost and validated Zaria’s arrival on SmackDown. It wasn’t her first taste of the main roster, though—she and Ruca previously appeared at WWE Evolution in July in a four-way Women’s Tag Title match. Ruca has also competed in singles action on SmackDown.
Friday’s broadcast also featured the return of Booker T to commentary, filling in for Corey Graves.
What’s next for ZaRuca in their chase for the Women’s Tag Team Championships? Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep following Wrestling Noticias for full coverage and analysis.