Jacy Jayne Wins WWE Women’s United States Championship on SmackDown

Jacy Jayne has reached the top of the WWE women's midcard division.

Jayne defeated Tiffany Stratton on Friday night's episode of WWE SmackDown to become the new WWE Women's United States Champion, capturing the title for the first time in her career.

The championship match came after Stratton had already endured a physically demanding night. Earlier in the evening, Stratton came to the aid of Interim Women's Champion Chelsea Green when Green was targeted by Nia Jax and Lash Legend.

Jax and Legend overwhelmed Stratton, with Jax delivering a leg drop that left the champion battered heading into her scheduled title defense.

Despite the disadvantage, Stratton still agreed to compete.

The match lasted a little more than eight and a half minutes, with Jayne immediately targeting Stratton's ribs and attempting to capitalize on the champion's weakened condition.

Stratton mounted a comeback and appeared to be gaining control, but the involvement of Fatal Influence ultimately proved decisive.

With Chelsea Green positioned at ringside, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid began threatening her. Stratton rushed to Green's aid, leaping onto Henley and Reid to protect her friend.

That split-second distraction gave Jayne the opening she needed.

Jayne caught Stratton with the Rolling Encore, scoring the three-count and bringing the championship reign to an end.

Winner and NEW WWE Women's United States Champion: Jacy Jayne

The victory marks Jayne's first WWE Women's United States Championship reign.

For Stratton, her reign concludes after 112 days. She originally captured the championship from Giulia on the April 24 episode of WWE SmackDown.

Jayne's victory also gives Fatal Influence another championship to add to its growing presence on SmackDown.

With Stratton no longer holding the title, the women's United States Championship division now has a new centerpiece, and Jayne will immediately have a target on her back as challengers line up for an opportunity at her newly won championship.