WWE SmackDown Features Championship Matches and Technical Glitches Ahead of Night of Champions

The latest episode of WWE SmackDown aired just before the eagerly anticipated Night of Champions event, showcasing a series of championship bouts that ultimately did not make it onto the premium live event card. While the excitement in the arena was palpable, international audiences faced significant technical issues that disrupted their viewing experience. Despite these challenges, the show managed to deliver a thrilling moment in women's wrestling as one championship title changed hands.
In a standout match, Giulia, one of the newest additions to the SmackDown roster, triumphed over Zelina Vega to capture the coveted United States Championship. Giulia's journey since arriving on SmackDown in May has been noteworthy, especially considering her initial debut was on WWE's red brand, where she teamed up with fellow former NXT Women's Champion, Roxanne Perez. Giulia's ambition became clear early on, as she set her sights on the United States Championship even before her participation in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Prior to this championship showdown, Giulia had bested both Vega and Charlotte Flair in a thrilling triple threat match to qualify for the aforementioned ladder match, which was ultimately won by the talented Naomi. Giulia's determination and skill have made her a force to reckon with on the roster, and her victory over Vega is a testament to her hard work and persistence.
However, the excitement surrounding this victory was somewhat overshadowed when WWE itself inadvertently spoiled the match result for fans on social media. On Friday afternoon, the official WWE account on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared a video of Giulia celebrating with her new championship belt backstage. The post encouraged fans in the United States to tune in for the match during its regular airing at 8 PM EST, which led to mixed reactions from the audience, as some felt that the surprise element was diminished.