Giulia continues to establish herself on WWE SmackDown, and the current WWE Women’s United States Champion says she is still learning as she adapts to life on the main roster.

After debuting in mid-2025, Giulia quickly became a key figure on SmackDown, already capturing the Women’s United States Championship twice. She is currently involved in a feud with Tiffany Stratton as WWE builds toward WrestleMania 42.

Speaking to The Sportster, Giulia reflected on the transition from NXT to WWE’s main roster, admitting that while the experience has been challenging, it has also been rewarding.

“I think everyone in the main roster can perform for the people all over the world, and it’s (a) new experience for me yeah it’s it’s not easy, but I like it. I’m still learning, but I will never stop learning, and I will never stop evolving.”

Before signing with WWE in 2024, Giulia built her reputation in Japan, competing in promotions such as World Wonder Ring Stardom and Marigold. Her in-ring style has required adjustments since joining WWE, particularly moving away from the Japanese strong style she previously showcased.

“Yes, but it is fun. It’s difficult. It’s so difficult, actually. But, yeah, I said I like learning. I like even struggling.”

Another key part of her WWE run has been her on-screen partnership with Kiana James. The alliance has played an important role in Giulia’s development, both inside and outside the ring.

“Oh, she’s amazing. She’s amazing. So, yeah, she helps me with my English. Yeah, somebody speaks so fast, but she translates it in English. But easy, very easy. Yeah, I think we respect each other. She has something I don’t have. Also, I have something she doesn’t have. So I think it’s meaningful for both of us to work together.”

Their partnership has contributed to Giulia’s success on SmackDown, including multiple title reigns and strong performances in major matches, while also helping her adjust to the global stage of WWE.

As WrestleMania 42 approaches, Giulia remains focused on continuing her growth, making it clear that her evolution as a performer is far from complete.

Giulia Opens Up On WWE Main Roster Transition And Partnership With Kiana James

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Jim Ross has confirmed that Dennis Rodman was originally set to appear for WWE at WrestleMania 13 before a last-minute shift led him to sign with WCW instead.

Speaking on the Grilling JR podcast with Conrad Thompson, Ross detailed how WWE had planned to use Rodman in a one-time attraction role alongside Goldust. The idea was to capitalize on Rodman’s larger-than-life and polarizing public image at the time.

“We thought for a one-off, one-time-only appearance by Dennis, it would be a hit, because he was kind of polarizing,” Ross said. “We were disappointed, no doubt, because it seemed like it was going to be a layup.”

Ross explained that Rodman was expected to fill a role similar to Roddy Piper at WrestleMania 12, where Piper’s involvement in the Hollywood Backlot Brawl brought mainstream attention to the show.

“He was what we needed for that attraction, for that Piper role of an outsider coming in and doing his thing,” Ross said.

The situation changed when Rodman, who was a fan of Hulk Hogan, reached out to him directly. That contact opened the door for Eric Bischoff to step in and secure the deal for WCW.

Ross noted that the negotiations quickly escalated once agents became involved, with Bischoff finalizing the agreement over the phone. Rodman would go on to appear at WCW’s Uncensored pay-per-view and later compete in a high-profile tag team match that summer, generating significant attention for the company.

“It was frustrating for everybody,” Ross said, while also acknowledging Bischoff’s approach. “He was smart enough and aggressive enough and bold enough to make it happen.”

The timing of the deal added to WWE’s disappointment. WCW’s acquisition of Rodman made major headlines in Chicago just two weeks before WrestleMania 13, which was being held at the Rosemont Horizon.

Despite the setback, Ross emphasized that WWE had only planned to use Rodman once, whereas WCW was able to extend the relationship. “Was it a deal breaker? No. It was, to me, it was always going to be a one-time deal,” he said. “WCW got more than one out of Dennis.”

Rodman’s crossover into professional wrestling remains one of the most memorable celebrity integrations of the era, and he has now come full circle with his recent announcement as part of the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.

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Eric Bischoff has shared strong praise for the WrestleMania 42 main event between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, highlighting the depth of the story and the history behind both competitors.

Speaking on his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff said he has been following the developing angle and is impressed with how the rivalry has been presented so far. “I think that the match between him and Cody is going to be a great match,” Bischoff said. “Really looking forward to it.”

Bischoff went on to praise Orton’s all-around ability, describing him as one of the most complete performers in the business today. “Randy Orton, to me, is one of the best examples of someone who is so old school in many respects, but he is such a great performer on every level,” Bischoff said. “His promos are great, the way he sells is fantastic, he is so fluid, he is so smooth.”

He also framed the matchup as a symbolic clash between generations, noting Orton’s longevity and Rhodes’ position as a leading figure of the current era. “Randy is like the last of what I would consider my generation of performers,” Bischoff said. “Randy started in WWE just as I came on board there. I’ve had a chance to watch him develop and grow as a performer. I have a lot of respect for his dad, Bob Orton Jr.. Cody is like the star of the next generation behind Randy. It is a cool matchup.”

Bischoff also touched on the intrigue surrounding the storyline, particularly the unanswered questions tied to Orton’s recent actions. “I am just glad it is happening,” he said. “It is a great story, and there is so much to work with. I cannot wait to see this thing play out.”

With WrestleMania 42 approaching, the Orton vs. Rhodes program continues to build as one of the most personal and layered rivalries on WWE television, drawing attention from veterans like Bischoff who recognize the storytelling foundation behind it.

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