Overview
- Lash Legend defeated Giulia in the final qualifier on Friday Night SmackDown in a brief, clean victory to earn the last spot in the ladder match.
- The interim-title ladder match field is set as Lash Legend, Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Chelsea Green.
- WWE announced the interim belt after concluding Rhea Ripley would not be ready to defend the official title, leaving Ripley as champion while a temporary title will be awarded at SummerSlam.
- Giulia responded to her quick loss with a strong social-media post saying she will not quit and will persevere, a reaction that has drawn fan criticism of her booking.
- The ladder match will name an interim champion who could face Ripley in a unification storyline later, and WWE’s interim approach mirrors how other combat sports preserve championship continuity when a titleholder is temporarily sidelined.