Zelina Vega Has Wanted Program With WWE SmackDown Star Since First Evolution [Exclusive]

WWE Evolution 2 is right around the corner and one of the women who was on the card for the inaugural event back in 2018, is still waiting for a follow up feud from her match that night..
Reigning Women's United States Champion Zelina Vega was a little over a year into her WWE tenure when the first Evolution was held inside New York's Nassau Coliseum. For a brief shining moment, Vega believed she had won a 20-Woman Battle Royal but did not realize that neither Nia Jax nor Ember Moon (AEW's Athena) had been eliminated yet.
While in the midst of her premature celebration, Vega backed right into the arms of a waiting Nia Jax and was promptly thrown over the top rope.
“I did think it was funny that, of course, Nia [Jax] was the one that I walked into," Vega said during her conversation this week with The Takedown on SI. "Like, oh my God. That visual, I'm surprised that they didn't run with that storyline because there absolutely has to be something between me and Nia at some point.”
Not only was there not an immediate follow up, but Zelina and Nia have only ever competed in the same match four times since Evolution. The 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Women's Royal Rumble Matches.
“It's been seven years and there still hasn't been something with me and Nia. Hopefully there'll be something soon.”
Zelina Vega and Nia Jax both have huge title matches coming up next week on SmackDown. Vega will defend her Women's United States Championship against Giulia, while the Irresistible Force will face Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship in a Last Woman Standing Match.
Evolution 2 will emanate from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday, July 13. It's hard to see a path toward a Vega vs. Jax match-up coming together with just three weeks to go before the show, but anything is possible depending on next week's outcomes.
MORE: Zelina Vega Feels Complete With Her 'Perfect Other Piece' Back In WWE [Exclusive]
Regardless of her spot on the card next month, Vega recalls what it was like backstage in the hours before the first Evolution and she'll be extremely happy if she gets to be a part of the second one.
“I remember that day… there was a nice hopeful feeling with everyone,” Zelina said. “Like a big hopeful gathering, 'cause I think all of us were just like if this continues, this could be really big, you know? And it's nice that it's carrying over finally.”
The Latest On WWE, AEW & More
Zelina Vega Has The WWE Women's United States Title, Now She Just Needs A Microphone [Exclusive]
Jim Ross Gives Update After Colon Cancer Surgery & Talks Plans For AEW All In Texas
WWE NXT Champion Injured, Forced To Relinquish Title
Athena Found A True Equal In Mercedes Moné & Eagerly Awaits Round Two [Exclusive]

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com