Count Zelina Vega among the fans of Ronda Rousey.
Since joining WWE in 2018, Ronda has drawn a reaction from wrestlers and fans alike for how she's transitioned from MMA to WWE. Though many praised Ronda during her first run, she's drawn more criticism in her second run, which began when she returned from a two-year hiatus at the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble.
Speaking on the That's Dope podcast, Vega defended Rousey when one of the hosts said he "saw tabloids" that a former MMA fighter didn't want to work with someone because they were too rough and didn't know what they were doing.
"I absolutely love Ronda. Here's the thing, she wasn't just some bozo off the street who decided to do this on a Tuesday. She was one of the absolute best (in MMA). If she made that career change to go to WWE, that brings in her fans, that mixes our fans with hers, and it's something people don't get to see, usually. 'I would love to see how she matches up with this person.' The people who get mad that Ronda is there are the people who are upset that they're not getting that opportunity. To me, she's been nothing but sweet, she's been nothing but respectful, she puts in the work, and she's a gamer and I love that. She's super sweet and super cool. When it comes to people who are not stoked that she's there, I give her credit because not only does she get shit from fans of UFC, but she always gets shit from wrestling fans, and she says, 'Screw it, I'm going to do this and have fun doing it.' Ultimately, it's her life and I hate that people get so [angry], 'I hate that she's there and shitting on the business.' Regardless, she is bringing money. Can you?" asked Vega.
When asked if Ronda is rough in the ring, Vega replied, "I've never been in the ring with her in the sense that I've taken any moves from her, so I can't say if she's rough or not. However, she does have a background in UFC, what's rough to her...and vice versa, I do think that the girls like to match it. Anybody I've seen her in the ring with, if she's done something to them and there might be a little 'oomph,' they match it. It's tit for tat. I've never been in the ring with her, so I can't say, but I will say, if they have gotten hurt or something has happened, I can't see it being on purpose. I can't see it from Ronda. She's too good of a person, that I've gotten to know, that I don't see her being malicious, I don't see her trying to take shit out on people or specifically trying to hurt people for any reason. Everyone has their own personal relationships with people, but I love that she's with us."
Rousey most recently defended her WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Shotzi at WWE Survivor Series.
Vega is currently aligned with Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar is set to compete in the SmackDown World Cup Finals against Ricochet on Friday's WWE SmackDown.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
