A WWE SmackDown Superstar impressed a lot of people behind the scenes by working the latest episode of the blue brand while ill.
The December 15, episode of SmackDown saw the return of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who was immediately confronted by Randy Orton. While the Viper demanded a match against Reigns for the Royal Rumble PLE, the Tribal Chief was in no hurry to grant the match. The show also saw the return of AJ Styles, who turned heel with an attack on LA Knight.
This week\'s show also saw the continuation of the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament. NXT\'s Carmelo Hayes defeated Grayson Waller to advance to the next round while Kevin Owens bested Austin Theory.
Zelina Vega is Ill
Zelina Vega worked through this week\'s SmackDown taping in Green Bay, Wisconsin despite an illness, PW Insider reports. It\'s unclear what Vega\'s illness is, but it was noted during the production meeting before the show that she was sick. This isn\'t the first time Vega has earned praise backstage, as she was heralded for her emotional reaction to Santos Escobar\'s attack on Rey Mysterio a few weeks ago.
The night was doubly tough for Vega, as WWE also filmed its December 22 episode last night, giving the roster more time during the Holidays to spend with their families. On this week\'s live episode of SmackDown, Vega teamed with \'Michin\' Mia Yim in a losing effort to Damage CTRL\'s Asuka & Kairi Sane. For more information on what Vega will do on next week\'s edition of the blue brand, click here.
WWE introduced a brand new match type before this week\'s episode of SmackDown went on the air. Click here to find out more.
