Backstage Update On WWE's Plans For Tiffany Stratton, Giulia At WrestleMania 42 (WWE News)

Bodyslam is reporting that Tiffany Stratton will challenge Giulia for the Women's United States Title come WrestleMania 42 weekend next month. It's believed that plans started firming up on that match in February, which came shortly after Stratton's return at the 2026 Royal Rumble event over in Saudi Arabia.

Tiffany was involved in the women's Elimination Chamber match too, but Rhea Ripley got the nod to win that one and will now wrestle Jade Cargill for the mainline Women's Title at 'Mania in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, 'Tiffy Time' will take the fight to Giulia and her associate Kiana James.

This could well be promising for Stratton. Her own Women's Title reign fell off a cliff creatively in 2025 after a hot start, so she'll be looking for ways to re-establish herself on SmackDown going forwards; WWE didn't seem to have much for Tiffany once her feud with Charlotte Flair ended at last year's WrestleMania, then she dropped the strap to Jade in November at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Are brighter days ahead again for the former NXT standout? Her fans will be banking on it.

On paper, Stratton beating Giulia then dominating the midcard scene on Friday nights sounds like a good idea. Someone like Tiffy should also elevate the often-overlooked Women's US Title. That belt has felt a little lacklustre since the company introduced it in late-2024, so Stratton's reign could be just the tonic.

Giulia's Main Roster Woes Starting To Subside, But...

It's true that Giulia experienced a brutal start to life on WWE's main roster. She struggled to get over as a babyface during her first Women's United States Title stint, and hasn't fared much better since turning heel. However, aligning with Kiana has been good for the once-celebrated worker.

Together, they've been a surprise package on SmackDown, and they've been useful both individually and in the women's tag-team division. The cherry on top is that James has grown as a performer alongside Giulia, so something positive has already come out of their union.

All signs suggest that Giulia's main roster black cloud is beginning to lift, but it'd nonetheless be a massive shocker if she was booked to retain against Tiffany Stratton come 'Mania 42. That match, assuming it is Triple H's booking plan, has title change written all over it.

Back to the drawing board for Giulia, but at least she's in a better position than she was last year.