On tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Giulia will defend her WWE Women’s United States Championship against former titleholder Zelina Vega. Giulia claimed victory over Vega five weeks ago on SmackDown, prior to Night of Champions, and this marks her first championship defense since that win. This matchup sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Zelina Vega WWE SummerSlam 2025 storylines.
Zelina Vega’s Growing Frustration and Mental Struggles After Loss
Vega has faced a difficult month following her title loss, with visible signs of frustration evolving into heightened aggression. She recently shared a cryptic video on X, formerly Twitter, hinting at her emotional challenges as she copes with the defeat. Last week on SmackDown, she confronted Giulia about a rematch, only to be informed by Kiana James—who appears to be Giulia’s new manager—that the match has been officially scheduled for August 1, the night before SummerSlam, following discussions with Nick Aldis.
Potential Career Shift for Zelina Vega If Defeated Tonight
If Giulia not only wins but dominates Vega in tonight’s contest, it could push the 34-year-old star to consider quitting WWE due to mounting frustration. A break from wrestling might trigger a transformation in Vega’s character, possibly marking her return as a heel after a substantial hiatus. WWE executive Triple H will likely play a key role in repackaging Vega’s image to present her as a more serious competitor moving forward.
Analyzing Zelina Vega’s Strengths and Future Role Prospects
Zelina Vega has often excelled as a confident and cunning trash talker, finding significant success during her time as manager to Andrade. While this is not a call to reassign her to managerial duties permanently, it suggests a potential character evolution toward a villainous persona, which fits her natural strengths. Such a shift could revitalize her career and better align with where WWE sees her role within the brand.
Challenges Facing the SmackDown Women’s Division and Zelina Vega’s Potential Impact
The SmackDown Women’s Division currently lacks depth, especially with some of its top stars, including Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, moving toward the tag team division. Recent WWE Drafts and NXT call-ups have brought some new talent, but the division remains in need of stronger contenders across both mid-card and main event scenes. Zelina Vega’s return could inject new energy into the division, whether she continues on SmackDown or moves to RAW.
Maintaining the Status of Giulia and the Women’s United States Championship
Triple H faces the challenge of keeping both Giulia and the Women’s United States Championship significant amid a relatively thin women’s roster. The title and Giulia’s prominence risk being overshadowed, especially when contrasted with the steadily rising profile of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship since its launch. The widening gap in visibility between these titles highlights the need for strategic booking to preserve their relevance.
