Tiffany Stratton recently offered an update regarding her health after sustaining an injury during the September 12 episode of SmackDown. The 26-year-old WWE Women’s Champion had not competed since her double count-out match against Jade Cargill, where she hit her head hard on the ringside floor after attempting a moonsault. Although cleared medically, Stratton was unable to participate in the NXT Homecoming event as a precautionary measure.
Details Surrounding Stratton’s Absence at NXT Homecoming
Following the incident on SmackDown, NXT General Manager Ava announced that Stratton was not medically cleared to compete at NXT Homecoming. In her place, former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria joined the six-woman tag team match facing Fatal Influence. Stratton addressed her condition during a guest appearance on Going Ringside, assuring fans that she is physically fine and emphasized WWE’s cautious approach to her recovery.
Physically, I’m okay. Obviously, on that moonsault, it was a little bit of a rough landing. However, I was fine. I think it was just more precautionary and kind of just monitoring and seeing if anything was bad about the fall. But for the most part, I’m doing good. I’m great.
— Tiffany Stratton, WWE Star
Implications for Upcoming WWE Women’s Championship Matches
Stratton is scheduled to defend her WWE Women’s Championship in a triple threat match against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax on the next SmackDown episode. Initially, this match was expected to take place at the Wrestlepalooza event. Wrestling Observer Live host Bryan Alvarez commented on the situation, clarifying the reasons behind the removal of the match from the event lineup.
The three-way scheduled for next week’s SmackDown was supposed to be on this ESPN show.
— Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer Live
Listen everybody, Tiffany was hurt. I presume she’s going to wrestle on Friday. It was not pulled because they ran out of time. It was pulled because she was not cleared.
— Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer Live
What’s Next for Tiffany Stratton and WWE Fans
Stratton’s injury update and absence from NXT Homecoming have created some anxiety among fans given the timing and nature of the injury. While she confirmed she is doing well physically, WWE’s cautious medical approach underscores the importance of athlete safety, especially following head impacts in the ring. Fans can expect to see Stratton back in action soon, as the triple threat match on SmackDown remains scheduled. WWE’s decision to prioritize her health highlights the ongoing challenges wrestlers face in balancing performance and recovery.
After her WWE Women’s Championship Match on SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton is not medically cleared to compete at Homecoming. As a result, former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria will be taking her place in the six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence.
— A V A (@avawwe_) September 15, 2025
