Zelina Vega withdraws from WWE Speed tournament due to injury

WWE Speed tournament faces unexpected change as Zelina Vega withdraws due to injury, while also reigniting rivalry with Rhea Ripley.

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OTTAWA, CANADA - JULY 8: Zelina Vega and Liv Morgan in action during Monday Night RAW at Canadian Tire Centre on July 8, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario.  (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)

WWE announced Zelina Vega’s withdrawal from the WWE Speed tournament due to injury. The announcement came during today’s broadcast, where Corey Graves confirmed B-Fab would replace Vega in the quarterfinal match against Natalya.

The change impacted the tournament’s structure, with Natalya advancing to the next round after defeating B-Fab.

This setback follows Vega’s recent participation in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament on RAW, where she was eliminated in the first round of a Triple Threat match against Lyra Valkyria and Ivy Nile on December 19.

Vega challenges Rhea Ripley on social media

In a separate development, Vega took to social media to address Rhea Ripley. The interaction stemmed from Pop Base’s X account celebrating “National Short Girl Day” with a photo of singer Sabrina Carpenter. Taking this opportunity, Vega made her intentions clear to her former rival.

The Latino World Order member addressed her past challenger with determination:

YEAH, RECOGNIZE ME @RHEARIPLEY_WWE. With everything I deserve.

The exchange recalls their previous encounter at Backlash 2023 in Puerto Rico, where Ripley successfully defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Vega.