WWE SmackDown GM Adam Pearce announced that Zelina Vega has withdrawn from the tournament. She is not medically cleared to compete. The specific nature of her injury was not disclosed.
Maxxine Dupri will replace her. Originally, Dupri was scheduled to face Shayna Baszler in the first round. Instead, a member from Alpha Academy will now compete in her stead at tonight’s WWE live event in Machon, Georgia.
Vega, currently holding the title of Queen of the Ring, finds this development disappointing. She is now a part of the LWO, so we’ll have to see if she remains on television in a non-wrestling role.
There is a general expectation that Dupri may not win against Baszler. This switch might spare Vega from a tough match. It is hoped that her injury is not severe.
