The latest WWE SmackDown episode ended tumultuously at the Kia Center in Orlando, as Tiffany Stratton retained her WWE Women’s Championship amid controversy triggered by a significant Nia Jax botch SmackDown fans will not soon forget. The match boiled over with tension, mistakes, and injuries that altered the course of the event dramatically.
During the final pin attempt, Stratton covered Jax for the victory, but the referee halted the count unexpectedly at two, although Jax had not kicked out. This confusing moment sparked friction between Jax and the official, creating uncertainty over the referee’s call. Despite the interference, Stratton eventually landed her signature Prettiest Moonsault Ever and secured the decisive three-count, maintaining her championship status. As her celebration was underway, WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer suddenly appeared, leading to a fierce staredown as both champions raised their titles, intensifying anticipation for future clashes.
Match Takes a Toll on Jade Cargill Amid Stunning Moments
Jade Cargill suffered severe damage during the bout after Nia Jax executed a Samoan Drop onto the steel steps, which caused a gash requiring immediate medical attention. Earlier in the match, Cargill seemed poised for victory when she executed her finisher, the Jaded, on Stratton. However, Jax disrupted the momentum by pulling the referee out of the ring before the count could conclude, preventing Cargill’s win and adding chaos to the unfolding drama.
Fan Reactions Highlight the Severity of the Botch
Social media quickly exploded with reactions condemning the botch, which many called one of the most glaring of the year. Wrestling commentator EliteRockerz tweeted,
“This gotta be one of the WORST botches of the year #SmackDown,”
underscoring how the incident overshadowed the match’s outcome. Another fan, BroncoFanatic97, speculated on the nature of the mistake, stating,
“Either this was a botch by the referee, or Nia Jax simply forgot she was supposed to kick out. Either way, it’s a terrible look. I feel bad for Jade Cargill, who got busted open towards the end of the match. #SmackDown.”
The backlash highlights how critical moments can affect both the wrestlers’ reputations and fan experience during live events.
Insights on WWE NXT Call-Ups from Former Talent Priscilla Kelly
Former WWE NXT star Priscilla Kelly, who left WWE in May after four years, recently shed light on why some wrestlers ascend to the main roster faster than others during a discussion on Ringsiders Wrestling. Kelly explained that call-up timing depends on more than just talent readiness, emphasizing the importance of fitting current storylines and character needs on the main roster.
Kelly noted the unpredictability inherent in the process:
“I know there’s people backstage that definitely felt like they should have been called up to the main roster a long time ago. But sometimes it’s not even based on if you, as a wrestler, are ready for the opportunity. Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing on the main roster; who can they use at this point, what kind of characters are they looking for right this second, and sometimes people get lucky and they fit that mold of what they’re looking for right there at that moment.”
She elaborated with a real-world example:
Maxxine (Dupri) was a great example. She was in NXT for maybe a year, definitely less than two years, and that’s what they were looking for right then and there, and she got called up immediately. So sometimes it’s just a timing issue. It’s not even based on if people are ready, it’s just timing. That’s one of the things Hunter told me himself.
Describing her own efforts to move up, Kelly recalled:
When I went up to do Main Event one of the last times, I said, ‘Hey, what can I do to get up here? I wanna come to the main roster. What do I need to do? What do I need to improve on? What do I need to do to get here?’ And he said, straight from his mouth, ‘It’s just timing,’ and it really is. Everything is just timing.
Natalya Commends Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY’s Wrestlepalooza Battle
WWE veteran Natalya offered glowing praise for the recent Women’s World Championship match between Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY at WWE Wrestlepalooza. Speaking with the Toronto Sun, Natalya highlighted SKY’s ability to elevate opponents’ performances and applauded both wrestlers for delivering an electrifying contest despite limited build-up due to Vaquer’s illness.
On the dynamic between the two performers, Natalya said:
IYO SKY makes everybody level up. I will come right out and say that IYO’s work is outstanding as far as being super consistent. The fact that Stephanie beat IYO, their energy matches. I think, personally, the girls stole the show. I’m biased, but I thought they both did amazing and I’m so happy for Stephanie.
Regarding the nature of the match, she added:
You could feel their passion, and that’s what I love. They didn’t have a really deep story because Stephanie was going through a sickness and wasn’t feeling good. They couldn’t build this deep story on TV because she wasn’t there. They told a story that night in the ring. They did what they had to do to make it compelling. It was great. It’s not just like, ‘That was a great girls’ match.’ No, that was an outstanding match. I’m excited to see Stephanie dive into some more matches like that with maybe a deeper story. IYO SKY is unbelievable and everything IYO does, she levels up and brings people up to her level. I think Stephanie is going to be the same way with whoever she works. Her performances so far have been very consistent. Overall, it’s going to level up the Raw women’s division.
Turbulence Continues as WWE Faces Mixed Reactions and Injuries
The chaotic final moments of the SmackDown main event, exacerbated by the Nia Jax botch SmackDown fans lambasted, highlight ongoing challenges in live wrestling events where split-second errors can dominate narratives. The injury to Jade Cargill and the referee’s abrupt count stoppage cast a shadow over an otherwise competitive match, underscoring how unpredictability plays a role both in the spectacle and the risks wrestlers face.
Meanwhile, titleholder tensions between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer set the stage for heightened rivalry, promising more explosive encounters in future broadcasts. With fan scrutiny intensifying and backstage stories emerging about wrestlers’ career trajectories and readiness, WWE remains a dynamic, fast-moving environment where timing and opportunity heavily influence success beyond just skill.
As the company navigates these turbulent waters, how they manage errors like the Jax incident and elevate new stars could shape WWE’s women’s division progress significantly in the coming months.
This gotta be one of the WORST botches of the year 😭#SmackDown
pic.twitter.com/O8283KvjfT— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) September 27, 2025
Either this was a botch by the referee, or Nia Jax simply forgot she was supposed to kick out.
Either way, it's a terrible look. I feel bad for Jade Cargill, who got busted open towards the end of the match. #SmackDown https://t.co/h9QXGV6tbw pic.twitter.com/yj4dPBISN2
— BroncoFanatic97 (@BroncoFanatic97) September 27, 2025
