WWE Smackdown's International Debut in Bologna Features Controversial Moments
WWE Smackdown's First International Show
This past Friday, WWE Smackdown made its international debut in Bologna, Italy, airing on the USA Network. The event featured a dramatic main event segment, which set the stage for a thrilling triple threat match at Wrestlemania 41, including Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins.
Two matches from the women’s division were highlighted, one of which saw Jade Cargill suffer her first pinfall defeat at the hands of Liv Morgan, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. In another match, Piper Niven triumphed over Zelina Vega, which sparked significant discussion online due to a wardrobe malfunction.
Recently, WWE Smackdown has been no stranger to such incidents, largely due to the current Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton. Vega's attire malfunctioned during the match, leading to a compromising situation that prompted the live production team to quickly cut the broadcast.
Zelina Vega Nip Slip from Smackdown in Bologna Italy
God Bless Her #SmackDown #smackdownonNetflix #Wrestlehead #NipSlip pic.twitter.com/NG9UxXhFRX
— WrestleHead Ryan THE HEEL
(@Pearlz_Doobz) March 22, 2025
zelina vega wardrobe malfunction
they keep blacking out #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SEyYPLnYjY— spidey1450 (@spidey1450) March 21, 2025
Production Team's Quick Response
During the broadcast, WWE Smackdown's production team had to cut the feed twice due to the recurring wardrobe issue with Vega, particularly while she attempted her signature 619 move. The production crew acted swiftly to ensure that viewers in the United States did not witness any inappropriate visuals.
While the international audience experienced the live blackouts, the production team worked diligently to edit the footage and utilize different camera angles to prevent any compromising images of Vega from being aired.
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Despite the unfortunate incident, Vega maintained her composure throughout the match and did not let it affect her performance. However, this loss could hinder her chances of securing the United States Championship.
On January 27, during an episode of WWE Raw, it was announced by Michael Cole that Zelina Vega would be transitioning to the WWE Smackdown brand as part of the transfer window that was active during the 2025 Royal Rumble weekend. While her LWO teammates, including Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro, remained on the red brand, Vega is now pursuing a solo career on the blue brand.