The WWE SmackDown title change occurred during the first episode of the show in 2026 at Buffalo, where Giulia triumphed in a highly anticipated rematch against Chelsea Green. This victory marks Giulia’s return to the top, as she reclaimed the Women’s United States Championship in a contest that reignited interest in the division.
Chelsea Green’s Previous Success and the Road to the Rematch
In November, Chelsea Green captured a rapid victory over Giulia, making her a two-time Women’s United States Champion while she was also holding the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship. The swift nature of her earlier win set the stage for this rematch, amplifying the stakes for both competitors as Giulia aimed to recapture her title on SmackDown’s milestone episode.
Details of the Championship Match and Its Outcome
Giulia faced Chelsea Green once more in a fiercely contested battle for the United States Championship. Demonstrating resilience and determination, Giulia overcame Chelsea Green to reclaim the title, establishing herself as the second-ever two-time champion of the Women’s United States division. The WWE SmackDown title change added a major talking point to the broadcast, reflecting the ongoing competitiveness of WWE’s women’s roster.
Other Highlights from SmackDown in Buffalo
The event featured several other notable moments, including Carmelo Hayes defending his men’s United States Championship. Hayes successfully made the first television defense of his title against Johnny Gargano, lending further excitement to the show’s proceedings in Buffalo.
Additionally, WWE NXT’s Jordynne Grace made an appearance on SmackDown as a free agent. She was featured in segments alongside Chelsea Green and Jade Cargill backstage, fueling speculation about her potential move to the brand and hinting at new rivalries or alliances in the weeks ahead.
Another surprise came with the official WWE return of Matt Cardona, husband of Chelsea Green. Cardona appeared after last being seen in the “Last Time Is Now” Tournament as Zack Ryder, adding to the night’s high profile comebacks and storyline developments.
Significance of the Title Change and Future Implications
This WWE SmackDown title change not only reshapes the women’s championship landscape but also signals a fresh phase of competition for the roster. Giulia’s regain of the championship signifies her ongoing importance in the division, while Chelsea Green and other emerging stars like Jordynne Grace set the stage for dynamic future storylines. As SmackDown moves forward, these developments in Buffalo will likely lead to heightened rivalries and new opportunities for WWE’s women’s competitors.
