Michin is now the #1 contender for the WWE Women’s United States Championship after securing a victory over Kiana James in approximately three seconds on the August 29 episode of SmackDown. Her celebration was cut short, however, as she was immediately jumped by the reigning champion, Giulia, following the match.
The confrontation took place at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Décines, France. The match was arranged after James, acting as Giulia’s official representative, stood between Michin and a championship opportunity. The stipulation was clear: if Michin could defeat James, a title shot against Giulia would be hers. Michin wasted no time, winning almost instantly before being laid out by the champion, who was seemingly displeased with the outcome.
The alliance between Giulia and Kiana James is a recent development. James began serving as the champion’s representative shortly after Giulia won the title, first stepping in to handle the logistics of a rematch against the inaugural champion, Zelina Vega. That match, which took place on the go-home episode of SmackDown before SummerSlam, was Giulia’s first successful title defense.
Giulia captured the championship from Vega on the June 27 edition of SmackDown. In the lead-up to that victory, she publicly dismissed the title’s importance, referring to it as merely a “stepping stone” for her career. In a WWE Digital Exclusive interview, she contrasted her ambitions with Vega’s emotional journey to her first singles title, stating, “This championship means a lot to you. It doesn’t to me… Next week I will prove it does not” belong to Vega. With Michin’s long-standing pursuit of the U.S. Title, a future championship match against Giulia is now officially set.