WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has embraced her “mean girl” persona fully, despite receiving unexpected cheers from fans worldwide. Ahead of her SummerSlam title defense against Jade Cargill, Stratton spoke about how the positive crowd reactions, especially during her recent matches, have influenced her but not changed her character approach.
How Crowd Reactions Shaped Stratton’s Character
Stratton shared in a recent radio interview that her experience performing in Australia, particularly at Elimination Chamber in Perth, was a defining moment that boosted her confidence. The overwhelmingly supportive response from the WWE Universe was surprising and impactful. She said,
“Australia was probably one of the best moments of my career thus far… I was so confident hearing the crowd behind me. That changed me. It changed my mindset on wrestling, and in my career, and my confidence.”
Despite this positivity, she remains steadfast in maintaining her heel character, explaining that the cheers should not prompt her to alter her gimmick. When asked about the crowd’s babyface reactions, Stratton responded,
“I just, you know, I got cheered starting in Australia, and, you know, it made its way to America. So why would I change anything? … I feel like the moment I do start acting like a good guy… maybe [fans] start booing me. So why would I change anything? If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Veteran wrestler Tommy Dreamer praised Stratton’s instincts, highlighting that her confidence and loyalty to her character are crucial for her continued success.
Preparing for SummerSlam and Facing Jade Cargill
As Stratton prepares for her upcoming SummerSlam match against the undefeated Jade Cargill, she admitted to feeling nervous ahead of every bout. She views the nerves as a motivating factor rather than a hindrance.
“I get nervous every single time I go out and wrestle… I think I will always get nervous, and I think it’s good for me… I perform very well under pressure. So if I’m not nervous, there’s something wrong,”
she said.
To maintain focus amid the pressures of the wrestling world and the often harsh social media environment, Stratton limits her exposure to negative commentary. She revealed that she avoids Twitter and prefers TikTok, which she describes as
“my safe space. There is no wrestling, it’s all just reality TV, trends, dances… I really don’t scroll that often.”
Her strong support system, including family and close friends, helps her remain grounded and confident as she navigates the challenges of stardom.
Significance of Stratton’s Approach in WWE’s Landscape
Tiffany Stratton’s determination to stay true to her “mean girl” persona despite the crowd’s cheers demonstrates her confidence and resilience in the wrestling industry. This consistency sets her apart in WWE’s dynamic environment as she continues to build her career. Her upcoming match with Jade Cargill at SummerSlam is poised to be a major milestone, spotlighting her growth and potential as a leading champion.
As fans eagerly await the showdown, Stratton’s story underscores the importance of character strength and mental focus amid evolving fan expectations and the pressures of social media.
