Zelina Vega’s return would be a boost to the SmackDown women’s division

WWE content is one of the major talking points this week as SmackDown’s season premiere goes down on Friday with Monday Night Raw following days later. Rumors leaked Friday afternoon that Zelina Vega was spotted in the Boston airport with a new look. On top of that, Fightful Select reported of a possible pitch to see her join Legado del Fantasma. Regardless of feedback around that idea, it’s time for Vega to get a boost as a performer that can lead in the women’s division.

Six months have passed since Vega was seen in the ring when WWE Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair defeated her in two minutes. Before that, Vega was one of the many women who were often relegated to the sidelines regardless of her in-ring ability and vocal support from fans. Now, leadership in WWE has changed and there’s an added push for women across the brand. Vega should be one of the ladies that gets elevated into the main event scene.

Before diving into the idea of Vega being a part of Legado del Fantasma, look back at how Vega performed when WWE needed her. Early in the pandemic, WWE was forced to use a smaller roster and they leaned on some key names in the group. Vega, along with Andrade and Angel Garza were frequently placed in the main event on both SmackDown and Raw. That eventually changed as the roster returned, and Vega was relegated once again, albeit wrongly.

Now, WWE has an opportunity to raise the value of the entire women’s division with a “refreshed” name that fans want to embrace. Vega is talented, not only on the microphone but she can work in the ring. She checks a lot of the boxes necessary for a top-level sports entertainer, and it’s time for WWE to use her abilities at the top of the card.

However, this opportunity should not come at the cost of Elecktra Lopez. Lopez has shown that she can perform well when given the space to do so. She grew into the role as the focal point of Legado late in their NXT run and she would be another great name to add to SmackDown’s women’s divisions when they need it the most. Yes, Vega comes with the bigger name recognition on the main roster, but fans are going to fall in love with Lopez if she’s used in the right way.

Big returns have been the narrative since Triple H has taken over talent relations and creative. Bringing back a healthy Zelina Vega adds a lot to the women’s division, especially if she can be moved up the card into the main event. It shouldn’t come at the cost of a talent like Lopez, but this should be a big moment on the season premiere of WWE SmackDown.