Two significant betrayals occurred within the women’s division on last night’s WWE SmackDown, the final show before tonight’s Money in the Bank premium live event. During a six-woman tag team match featuring Money in the Bank ladder match participants, Naomi walked out on her partners. Later, Giulia attacked United States Champion Zelina Vega, just after helping her win a separate match.
In the six-woman tag pitting Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Alexa Bliss against Naomi, Giulia & Roxanne Perez, Naomi was on the ring apron late in the match and refused to accept a tag from Perez. Naomi then walked away up the entrance ramp, abandoning her team. This action left Perez vulnerable, leading to Rhea Ripley hitting the RipTide on Perez for the pinfall victory for her team.
Earlier in the evening, Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven in a weapon-filled “Bakersfield Brawl.” The match saw interference from Chelsea Green and Isla Fyre on Niven’s behalf, who set up a table in the ring. Giulia then appeared, neutralizing Green and Fyre with a kendo stick, which allowed Vega to powerbomb Niven through the table for the win.
Following that victory, Giulia entered the ring and raised Vega’s hand in a seeming show of solidarity. However, Giulia then attacked Vega, laying her out before picking up the United States Championship and posing with it over the fallen champion. These events add new layers of conflict to both the United States Championship picture and tonight’s Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
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