Now that the dust has settled from WrestleMania 42, the WWE Universe is intrigued about what the company has in store for the remainder of the year. It seems WWE is already locking in plans for certain titles, specifically with a high-stakes family showdown likely brewing for Backlash between the new World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns, and Jacob Fatu.
Seeds were also planted for a future dream match between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. We are certainly starting to see the beginnings of changes that will spark new rivalries and storylines.
With six title changes at WrestleMania 42, minor shuffles between Raw and SmackDown, and several new additions to the main roster over the past two weeks, the landscape is shifting. However, there’s one title in particular that the company seems to consistently have no clue what to do with: the Women’s United States Championship.
Origins and Early History of the Women’s United States Championship
During the November 8, 2024, episode of SmackDown, Nick Aldis unveiled the title as a counterpart to the men’s United States Championship, marking a significant expansion for the women’s division. During that same announcement, it was also revealed that a month-long tournament would be held to crown the inaugural champion.
Following a series of matches involving stars like Bayley, Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Tiffany Stratton, the finals took place on December 14, 2024, at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Chelsea Green defeated Michin to claim the title, beginning a championship reign that would last 132 days.
Since the title’s debut, it has seen a mere 13 defenses, all of which took place on SmackDown, NXT, or Saturday Night’s Main Event. It has never been defended on a Premium Live Event, including WrestleMania. Nine of the title’s total defenses have involved Chelsea Green, a talent WWE has largely relegated to the mid-card despite her undeniable in-ring talent and natural charisma.
Comparison to the Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Interestingly, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Raw’s counterpart – was unveiled shortly after on November 25, 2024. Lyra Valkyria eventually captured the title on January 13, 2025, after defeating Dakota Kai in the finals of a 12-woman tournament. This belt has been defended a whopping 20 times, 9 of which took place at PLEs, most recently in the high-profile WrestleMania match between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch.
While the Women’s Intercontinental Championship has faced fan criticism for a recent lack of creativity, largely due to the lengthy Lee and Lynch feud, the title at least maintains a presence on major PLEs, unlike the United States title.
Potential Solutions and Booking Direction
Moving forward, it is essential to establish a proper plan for the Women’s United States Championship and promote it as a title with real meaning and importance. The company can kickstart that momentum by featuring a title defense at Backlash.
For the title’s historic first defense on a PLE, the company has two strong options. They could have Giulia, the current champion, face Tiffany Stratton in a high-stakes one-on-one match. The second is a chaotic Fatal 4-Way featuring Giulia, Stratton, Jordynne Grace, and Chelsea Green.
Another way to elevate the championship is by having a titleholder with a “workhorse” identity. Even though the Open Challenge format feels tired to many, using it strategically could be exactly what’s needed to establish the championship’s value and significance.
Tiffany Stratton as the Centerpiece
One prime candidate for this role is Tiffany Stratton. Her status has seen a significant reversal over the last twelve months, plummeting from a successful Women’s Undisputed Championship defense at WrestleMania 41 to being left off the card entirely for WrestleMania 42.
WWE could have her win the title at Backlash, followed by a promo on the next SmackDown addressing the sting of missing WrestleMania. She could explain how that setback fueled her, framing the Women’s United States Championship as her first step back to the top while announcing her intent to be a “workhorse” champion. By defending it weekly, she can prove her resilience not only to the fans, but to herself.
A Rivalry to Elevate the Championship
WWE could also have Stratton revisit a past rivalry by involving her with Jade Cargill. Cargill is coming off what many fans consider her best match to date, having just faced Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania.
The angle for the feud is simple: Cargill is looking to reclaim her status as the most dominant woman on the roster, while Stratton seeks revenge for the beatdown she suffered during their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, 2025, the same night she lost the Women’s Undisputed Championship. If properly built, this rivalry could provide the spark and interest the Women’s United States Championship has lacked for quite some time.
Restoring Prestige
When the Men’s United States Championship was introduced to WWE in 2003, it became a vital stepping stone for legends who used the title as a stepping stone to build their legacies. Moving forward, the women’s roster deserves a title that carries that same sense of purpose and prestige.
The quality of its rivalries largely defines a championship’s value. WWE must move past treating this title as just a shiny gold belt and start promoting it as a prize that identifies the top of the mid-card and the next breakout star. While the roster is ready for that next step, the ultimate question remains: is the booking?
