New WWE champion crowned after SmackDown goes off the air

The final episode of SmackDown before Bad Blood was eventful, but even more stuff happened after the show. A new WWE champion has been crowned.

Following a long tournament for the belt, Candice LeRae defeated IYO SKY in the final to become the first-ever WWE Speed Women's Champion. She did so after defeating Kairi Sane in the semi-final before SmackDown began.

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This was a surprising outcome to many, based on LeRae and SKY's respective positions in WWE. Regardless, it remains a huge victory for The Poison Pixie, whose in-ring skills haven't been showcased much recently.

Once the match airs on Twitter/X, she can use the win to elevate herself on television and rise up the card. It remains to be seen how long Candice LeRae will hold the WWE Speed Women's Championship, with the female midcard being as competitive as it is.

As sweet as this victory must have felt, the Garganos missed out on a double title win tonight. LeRae's husband, Johnny Gargano, came close to winning the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Tommaso Ciampa in the main event of SmackDown.

DIY and The Street Profits failed to dethrone The Bloodline in a hellacious Ladder Match. Despite the disappointment, it was an incredible outing for both sets of challengers.

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