Zelina Vega’s championship future in WWE faces significant uncertainty following her recent loss of the women’s United States title to Giulia on SmackDown, as a surge of new talent and established competitors reshapes the title horizon. Fans and analysts are left questioning whether Vega can find her way back to championship gold while navigating a roster packed with both emerging and veteran superstars.
Shifting Momentum in the WWE Women’s Division
Zelina Vega’s defeat came during a match on SmackDown that many saw as one-sided, especially since her booking seldom reflected that of a credible singles champion in WWE. Giulia, a relative newcomer to the SmackDown roster, captured the women’s United States championship just a little over a month into her WWE tenure, reinforcing her reputation as a dominant force and quickly altering the division’s landscape.
The situation marks more than just a title change—it’s emblematic of deeper shifts within WWE’s women’s division. Over the past several years, Vega has struggled to secure and maintain championship status, enduring a gap of over three years between reigns. Now, she finds herself at a crossroads as the competitive field widens with talents like Tiffany Stratton, Stephanie Vaquer, Roxanne Perez, Jade Cargill, and Lyra Valkyria entering the scene, all eager to make their mark. Meanwhile, established icons including Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Bayley, Asuka, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, IYO SKY, and Naomi continue to dominate the upper tiers, making Vega’s path back to the top more complicated than ever.
Wider WWE Shifts Affecting the Championship Picture
Vega’s predicament unfolds amid a climate of flux in WWE. Tag team championship matches on SmackDown, for instance, have become notorious for Disqualification or No Contest conclusions under Triple H’s creative guidance. During the latest episode, the Wyatt Sicks challenged the Street Profits, triggering chaos as multiple tag teams clashed with the Wyatts. This recurring pattern—now happening in three of the last four blue brand tag title clashes—has not only devalued the championships but also diminished the prestige of contenders involved in the chase.
Across the company, fortunes are shifting for many. Chad Gable, another standout performer, is reportedly sidelined by injury and facing surgery, prompting WWE to write him out through a backstage segment with Penta. His absence will be felt, especially after he found recent success under the El Grande Americano persona with wins over high-profile names such as CM Punk and AJ Styles.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
As Vega deals with her setback, other WWE superstars are experiencing surges in momentum. Jacob Fatu, despite suffering a rare loss at Night of Champions, remains in the conversation after Solo Sikoa secured the United States championship. Sikoa received support from debuting Hikuleo, known as Tala Tonga, and returning Tonga Loa, while the addition of JC Mateo has fortified Sikoa’s position heading into his title reign.
Giulia, newly crowned and already making bold statements about using the United States championship as a stepping stone, seems poised for even greater WWE achievements. Alongside her, Jade Cargill’s King & Queen of the Ring tournament victory has solidified her as a major contender, earning her a guaranteed title shot at SummerSlam. Biased as the favorite since joining WWE at Royal Rumble 2024, Cargill’s push escalates a divisional shakeup. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, who won the men’s tournament, is set to seek revenge, potentially thwarting John Cena’s plan to retire as the Last Real Champion at SummerSlam.
Implications for Zelina Vega and the Women’s Championship Scene
The intense competition in WWE’s women’s division suggests that Zelina Vega may face a long journey back to the title scene. The blend of rising stars such as Roxanne Perez, Jade Cargill, and Giulia with veteran performers like Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair continues to raise the standard for all contenders. For Vega, reclaiming gold will likely require not only perseverance but a significant shift in how she is presented and booked by WWE’s creative team.
As the division evolves and championship opportunities become increasingly scarce, Vega’s fans are left to wonder whether she can defy expectations and recapture her former prominence. With major events like SummerSlam on the horizon and the championship hierarchy in constant motion, the next chapter of Zelina Vega’s championship future in WWE remains filled with uncertainty, ambition, and the challenge of standing out in a roster stacked with talent.
