Backstage news on how Chelsea Green's WWE SmackDown segment was viewed internally - Reports
WWE made history at Saturday Night's Main Event by crowning Chelsea Green the inaugural Women's United States Champion. The brash superstar seems to be winning over more fans with her over-the-top gimmick, and officials are watching. Sources are now revealing how her recent SmackDown segment was viewed backstage and who was responsible for it.
World Wrestling Entertainment's Hot Mess defeated Bianca Belair and Blair Davenport in the Women's US Championship tournament opener, defeated Bayley in the semi-finals, and conquered Michin in the finals to become champion. Green had a brief taped appearance on the post-SNME SmackDown but returned this week for a patriotic championship celebration on the final show of 2024. Michin interrupted Green's speech, then took out Piper Niven with kendo stick shots and forced her latest rival to retreat.
Green continues to receive immense praise within WWE and from fans on social media. A new report from Fightful Select notes that Green's SmackDown celebration segment received positive feedback from those backstage. Green was not singled out for the praise, indicating rave reviews for Niven and Michin.
Molly Holly was the producer listed for Green's segment on SmackDown. This looks to be the first blue brand production since August for the 2021 WWE Hall of Famer. Shane Helms and Tyson Kidd produced the title match at SNME, while Shawn Daivari produced Green's win over Bayley.
The WWE creative writer for Chelsea's celebration listed on internal run sheets was John "Ioannis" Filippides. The Boston College graduate joined the company as a Writer's Assistant in March 2020 and was promoted to Writer/Producer in January 2022.
Chelsea Green wrestles her first match as WWE champion
Chelsea Green has wrestled her first match since becoming World Wrestling Entertainment's inaugural Women's United States Champion. However, the SmackDown Superstar challenged for tag team gold instead of putting her title on the line.
Green defeated Michin to become the first-ever Women's US Champion at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14. She returned to the ring at Monday's non-televised live event in Detroit, which wrapped the annual post-Christmas tour. The Hot Mess teamed with Piper Niven but came up short against Bianca Belair and Naomi with the Women's Tag Team Championship on the line.
Naomi filled in for the injured Jade Cargill on the recent WWE tour, teaming with Belair to defend the titles. Naomi and Belair also retained the titles against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae on SmackDown two weeks ago.
