Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia on the April 24, 2026 [1] episode of WWE SmackDown to become the Women’s United States Champion.

The title change marks a significant shift in the women's division following WrestleMania 42. By capturing the championship, Stratton establishes herself as a primary force in the company's mid-card hierarchy.

Stratton entered the match as the No. 1 contender. The bout took place during a broadcast from the U.S. [3], where Giulia put the championship on the line in a scheduled title defense. Following the victory, Stratton became the first woman to hold this specific title.

Her reign continued beyond the initial win on April 24, 2026 [1]. Stratton later traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to defend the championship at the WWE Night of Champions event [2]. During that appearance, she successfully retained the title in a match against Jade Cargill [2].

The path to the championship began after the events of WrestleMania 42, which positioned Stratton as the top challenger for the belt [4]. The victory over Giulia served as the culmination of that pursuit. Since winning the gold, Stratton has transitioned from a challenger to a defending champion on a global scale.

WWE has utilized the Women’s United States Championship to elevate the profile of its female athletes. The transition of the belt from Giulia to Stratton highlights the company's strategy of rotating championships to create new storylines, and rivalries within the division.

“Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia on the April 24, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown to become the Women’s United States Champion.”

The establishment of a Women's United States Championship and Stratton's subsequent win signify WWE's effort to expand the championship landscape for female performers. By moving the title from an international star like Giulia to Stratton and then defending it in a major international market like Saudi Arabia, WWE is integrating the title into its global touring strategy to increase its prestige.