Credit: WWE.com
WWE made a notable last-minute change to the lineup for Friday Night SmackDown’s go-home show before the Clash in Paris premium live event. Piper Niven, originally scheduled to compete in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match, has been pulled from the card. Chelsea Green will replace Niven, teaming with Alba Fyre to challenge the reigning champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
SmackDown Women’s Tag Title Match Revised for Lyon, France
On August 29, 2025, WWE announced via social media and on-air confirmation from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis that Piper Niven was “unavailable tonight” for the show broadcast live from the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. The unexpected absence forced WWE’s creative team to quickly name Chelsea Green as the substitute in the title match alongside fellow Secret Hervice member Alba Fyre.
This change came just days before the high-profile Clash in Paris event scheduled for Sunday, increasing the stakes for the champions, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who will now defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team titles against a fresh pairing.
Background of the Feud and Match Setup
The rivalry between the champion duo and The Secret Hervice faction, comprising Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre, and Piper Niven until now, has been one of the main storylines on SmackDown since the titles changed hands at SummerSlam earlier this month. Piper Niven earned the initial title shot by securing a singles victory over Charlotte Flair last week, a win aided by interference from Green and Fyre.
With Chelsea Green stepping in for Niven, the storyline continues seamlessly, maintaining the tension between the teams. Green’s inclusion adds a new dynamic to the bout given her recent involvement in the faction’s tactics and her prior alliances.
Additional SmackDown Highlights Ahead of Clash in Paris
Alongside the Women’s Tag Team Championship match, WWE’s go-home SmackDown card included several key segments aimed at building excitement for the Clash in Paris event. The lineup featured:
A United States Championship match with Solo Sikoa defending against Sami Zayn.
A WWE Tag Team title number one contender’s match pitting The Street Profits against Carmelo Hayes and The Miz.
A singles contest between Michin and Kiana James.
A special appearance by WWE legend John Cena, adding star power to the event
SmackDown aired live internationally on Netflix several hours before its regular USA Network broadcast, emphasizing WWE’s growing global streaming strategy.
Behind the Scenes: Reason for Piper Niven’s Absence
While WWE has not officially disclosed the reason for Piper Niven’s absence, sources close to WWE suggest it was not due to injury. According to a WWE insider, “Piper’s unavailability was related to personal matters that required her to step away temporarily. There was no misinformation; the company acted fast to keep the storyline intact with Chelsea Green’s substitution.” The insider emphasized that Niven is expected to return to action shortly after Clash in Paris.
The decision to replace Niven last minute reflects WWE’s flexibility and depth in the women’s roster, allowing storylines to flow even amid unexpected changes.
Impact on Women’s Tag Team Division
This sudden change raises questions about how it might impact WWE’s women’s tag team division storylines going forward. Chelsea Green stepping in could lead to new alliances or rivalries. Fans and analysts are keen to see if the substitution alters the chemistry between The Secret Hervice and the champions.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, holding the titles since SummerSlam, will face a slightly altered challenge but remain focused on retaining their gold in front of the European crowd.