Story perspectives

Stratton Wins US Title; Priest/R-Truth Retain; Women’s Tag Cancelled

4/25/2026

Summary

Stratton Wins US

Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia to win the Women’s United States Championship on April 24, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Damian Priest and R-Truth retained the Tag Team Championship by beating Tama Tonga and JC Mateo.
Cody Rhodes promised to retain the WWE Championship at WrestleMania after Randy Orton punted him.
Paige and Brie Bella’s Women’s Tag Team title match with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair was cancelled after Fatal Influence attacked teams.

Summary

Ripley Debuts

Rhea Ripley debuted as United States Champion during the Friday Night SmackDown episode aired on April 24, 2026.
The three-hour show began at 8 p.m. EST, was broadcast from the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on USA Network, and replayed on Peacock the next day.
Trick Williams, the new United States Champion, was announced to appear later in the program.
Paige made her first SmackDown appearance since returning at WrestleMania, joining the roster.

Summary

Rhodes Protocol

Cody Rhodes stays in protocol after his WrestleMania 42 head/eye injury, with the return date unknown.
Randy Orton remains silent since the punt kick, suggesting a verbal encounter.
Solo Sikoa’s tension with Jacob Fatu hints at an alliance, clouding the Bloodline.
Trick Williams’ U.S. Title win may be disrupted by Carmelo Hayes, shaping Backlash’s feud.
Charlotte Flair is slated for a return as Ric Flair urges her to quit Bliss tag team.

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Stratton Wins US

Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia to win the Women’s United States Championship on April 24, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Damian Priest and R-Truth retained the Tag Team Championship by beating Tama Tonga and JC Mateo.
Cody Rhodes promised to retain the WWE Championship at WrestleMania after Randy Orton punted him.
Paige and Brie Bella’s Women’s Tag Team title match with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair was cancelled after Fatal Influence attacked teams.

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