Zelina Vega speaks about the significance of having LWO merchandise specifically for Puerto Ricans and hopes the faction only continues to expand to represent other Latin cultures.
Initially, the LWO was a faction of luchadors in WCW. Led by Eddie Guerrero, the logo for the group, which was featured on their merchandise, was stylized after the Mexican flag. When the group was revived in 2023 for WWE, including Puerto Rican stars like Zelina Vega and global music Superstar Bad Bunny meant new merchandise featuring the Puerto Rican flag.
Speaking about the new merchandise during an interview with Josh Martinez of Z100 for Superstar Crossover, Zelina Vega says that she had pitched that idea even before she saw the designs because she understands that this group was going to be a form of representation for many and hopes to see designs continue to represent all Latin cultures.
So, it's funny, before I even knew it was going to be a thing, I had suggested that we do that," she said. "It's obviously really cool to be doing this and having the Mexico colors, but there's so many other people who are gonna want to be a part of this, you know? Not just me as a Puerto Rican woman, but also fans, who are gonna say like, 'I want the Puerto Rican version.' Maybe there's a Cuban version, there's so many different people who want to be a part of it now. I just think it's such a cool thing.
"I had sent them my version. Mine had the star, which is the tattoo I have," she continued. "They're like, 'Oh, my God, I wish that we would have talked to you before we did it,' but they showed me their version. I was like, 'This is insane that this is real life right now' that we're actually having the LWO in general, but now also a Puerto Rican version. I'm so honored. There are so many things that I looked at and say, 'My god, I'm so blessed to be a part of this,' especially with the crew that I have. I'm so blessed."
Vega was given the amazing opportunity to compete for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship in Puerto Rico at WWE Backlash 2023. Although she ultimately lost to Rhea Ripley that night, she was given an overwhelming ovation.
Fans can read her thoughts on that night at this link.
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