Chelsea Green’s first appearance after SummerSlam came with an interesting twist on the Aug. 7 edition of WWE SmackDown.
While the celebration centered around her newly won championship, one notable detail quickly stood out. Moreover, it could have bigger implications moving forward.
Green won the Interim WWE Women’s Championship in the SummerSlam ladder match after Rhea Ripley suffered a knee injury.
However, during her entrance on SmackDown, WWE commentary and on-screen graphics introduced her simply as the WWE Women’s Champion, with no mention of the “Interim” designation.
Adding to the message, Green also wore a shirt that boldly read “Permanent Champion.” Sometimes, actions speak louder than title cards.
Chelsea Green’s SmackDown celebration raises questions about WWE Women’s Championship status
Despite the presentation, Rhea Ripley officially remains the WWE Women’s Champion following her recent knee surgery. The omission of the interim label on SmackDown has nevertheless sparked attention, especially since WWE consistently referred to Green’s SummerSlam victory as an interim championship.
With Ripley’s recovery expected to keep her out for an extended period, WWE may be positioning Green as the division’s primary champion rather than carrying the interim designation for several months. However, the company has not officially confirmed any change to the championship’s status.
Green’s celebration didn’t stay on the victory lap for long. She thanked the WWE Universe for supporting her championship win before inviting Tiffany Stratton to the ring to celebrate their friendship. Stratton accepted the invitation, but the festivities were interrupted by Fatal Influence.
Jacy Jayne mocked Green’s championship moment and claimed she should have been the one holding the title. The confrontation quickly escalated when Stratton proposed an immediate tag team match in exchange for receiving a future United States Championship opportunity against Jayne.
The impromptu match saw Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton take on Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. However, Green’s celebration ended on a sour note as Fatal Influence retained the titles after pinning the newly crowned champion. It wasn’t exactly a championship coronation fit for a queen, as Green’s party was cut short before it could truly cash in on the moment.
For now, Green leaves SmackDown carrying championship gold while questions remain over whether WWE intends to permanently move beyond the interim label.
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