Summary

WWE has changed the Women's United States Championship plans for the April 17 episode of SmackDown.

Instead of Tiffany Stratton challenging Giulia for the title, Stratton is now set to face Jordynne Grace in a number one contenders match on Friday's show in Las Vegas. WWE listed the bout as part of the updated lineup for the final SmackDown before WrestleMania 42.

The revised card also includes Cody Rhodes addressing the crowd, the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, a street fight between The Wyatt Sicks and MFTs, Jacob Fatu responding to Drew McIntyre, and Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss taking on Lyra Valkyria and Bayley.

What the change means for Giulia and the title picture

Giulia's scheduled defense being pulled from the card leaves the Women's United States Championship picture in a different spot heading into a major weekend. Instead of defending the belt on SmackDown, the focus now shifts to whether Jordynne Grace or Tiffany Stratton will emerge as the next challenger.

That also gives WWE a cleaner way to reset the division's immediate direction on television. With a number one contenders match replacing the title bout, the next step around Giulia and the championship becomes the bigger question coming out of Friday night.

Sources

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