WWE signaled its significant investment in Giulia on the June 27 episode of SmackDown from Saudi Arabia, where she defeated Zelina Vega to become the new Women’s United States Champion. The nature of the victory sent a clear message about her standing within the company.
The championship bout was described as a hard-fought contest that saw both competitors trade pin attempts early on. A key moment came when Giulia executed a leg sweep on the apron, followed by a hanging neckbreaker. While Vega mounted a rally, which included her signature Code Red, it was not enough. Giulia secured the win with a G Trigger and a Northern Lights Bomb, ending Vega’s 63-day reign.
The decisive manner of her victory was by design, according to industry observers. On an episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained the company’s perspective on the two performers.
If you’re slotting women stars, they’re not anywhere near the same level.
Meltzer elaborated that while Vega’s reign was a functional part of programming, Giulia’s push is aimed at creating a premier attraction for the women’s division.
Vega was, you know, one of those, you know, to give people belts to give people belts, right? But they’re not serious about them at that level… Giulia is like someone who they’re grooming to be like one of the top stars.
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This rapid ascent to championship status aligns with Giulia’s own observations about her career trajectory. In a June interview, she commented on the speed of her promotion from NXT to the main roster, which occurred in just over eight months. While she was eager for the quick advancement, she did express one regret.
I’m like ‘Oh no, I still haven’t properly learned English.’ […] At first of course I had the feeling of ‘I want to go quickly, I want to go quickly.’ But as I wrestled in WWE, every single day, every single match, every single show. Everything was new to me. So time just flew by in an instant.
Following the victory, Giulia took to social media, posting, “No surprises. No luck. Just inevitability. And now… #SmackDown.” WWE executive Triple H also publicly congratulated her, noting that she has taken SmackDown “by storm.” Her win marks her first championship on the main roster, adding to a list of accolades that already includes being the 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor and a former NXT Women’s Champion.
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