Summary

WWE has added a Women's United States Championship match to the April 17 episode of *SmackDown*, with Giulia set to defend the title against Tiffany Stratton on the final blue-brand show before WrestleMania 42.

The episode also includes an advertised appearance from Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who is set to address Pat McAfee and Randy Orton before WrestleMania weekend. Jacob Fatu is also scheduled to respond to Drew McIntyre.

Updated SmackDown lineup

The title match gives Friday's card a stronger in-ring hook, especially after the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and an eight-man street fight were already added to the show.

The current lineup for the April 17 episode of *SmackDown* is:

  • WWE Women's United States Championship: Giulia (c) vs. Tiffany Stratton
  • Cody Rhodes to speak
  • Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
  • Street Fight: The Wyatt Sicks vs. MFTs
  • Jacob Fatu responds to Drew McIntyre

What Giulia and Tiffany Stratton bring to the show

Giulia and Tiffany Stratton being added gives *SmackDown* a championship match with direct star power heading into WrestleMania 42 weekend. It also gives the Women's United States title a prominent place on a show already built around Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and several major WrestleMania-related angles.

Rhodes speaking on the same episode keeps attention on WWE's top title picture, while the Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre issue adds another major talking point to the final build.

Sources

WWE Press Release