Tiffany Stratton WWE Tag Team efforts took a surprising turn as she revealed a new partner to confront rivals on WWE SmackDown. Following an incident at the WWE NXT Homecoming event on September 26, Stratton was initially set to team up with Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer against Fatal Influence, but she was unable to compete due to medical clearance issues. Lyra Valkyria stepped in for Stratton, joining Ripley and Vaquer to secure an easy victory.
Despite the setback, Stratton’s future collaboration with Stephanie Vaquer remains intact. During WWE SmackDown in Cincinnati, the duo participated in a contract signing to set the stage for their Women’s Crown Jewel Championship match scheduled for October 11 in Perth, Australia. The signing was notably respectful, with both Stratton and Vaquer expressing mutual respect while confidently asserting their chances to win the upcoming match.
Physical Confrontation Follows Contract Signing on SmackDown
Shortly after the contract event, tension escalated when WWE Women’s US Champion Giulia appeared alongside Kiana James and launched a surprise attack on Stratton from behind. James entered the ring to support Giulia, critiquing Vaquer’s status as not yet a “superstar” and attempting to convince Vaquer that she could make her the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion. As James made her case, Stratton regained her footing, violently pulling James out of the ring and landing a punch.
Simultaneously, Vaquer attempted to apply her signature SVB move on Giulia, but Giulia evaded the hold and left the ring with James. The incident marked a fierce showdown between the two teams, heightening the stakes for their scheduled tag team match.
Upcoming Tag Team Match Promises Intense Rivalry
WWE announced that Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer will officially team up on the October 10 episode of SmackDown to face Giulia and Kiana James. Given the recent skirmishes and the established chemistry between Stratton and Vaquer, fans widely expect the pair to dominate this encounter. Their alliance signals a strong united front against their adversaries, aiming to prove their championship caliber.
Social Media Reaction Highlights the Tension
WWE’s official Twitter captured the moment, showcasing the intensity of the confrontation: “Nice try, @kianajames_wwe! 😤 pic.twitter.com/KELFiGMXau”—WWE (@WWE) October 4, 2025.
Additional WWE Storylines Adding Layers to SmackDown
The ongoing tension between key WWE figures extends beyond Stratton and Vaquer. A 13-time WWE Champion has issued a stern warning to LA Knight following a recent attack, hinting at possible future retaliation. Meanwhile, calls have emerged for WWE to elevate a 15-year veteran, similar to the recent rise seen with Jey Uso, who separated from The Bloodline in August 2023 and has since gained momentum as a solo competitor.
Nick Aldis reflected on his journey to becoming the SmackDown General Manager, providing insight into his motivations behind the character. On the same night, Cody Rhodes confronted Randy Orton and a WWE Hall of Famer, highlighting backstage tensions. Rhodes also acknowledged the limited time left in the career of a fellow WWE star, alongside revealing a unique backstage nickname he holds when sporting a distinct look.
Additionally, concerns surfaced around CM Punk, who is slated to appear on the October 6 WWE RAW taping, with rumors fueling speculation about his physical condition and longevity in the ring. Rhodes further credited a backstage “super genius” for WWE’s recent rise, underscoring the complex dynamics within the organization.
Implications and What Fans Can Expect Next
The alliance between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer signals a significant shift within WWE’s women’s division, especially as the Crown Jewel event approaches in Australia. Their partnership not only aims to unify strengths but also to confront mounting opposition represented by Giulia and Kiana James. The unresolved conflict and physical altercations hint at an intense rivalry unfolding in the coming weeks on SmackDown.
With multiple storylines intertwining—ranging from veteran comebacks, backstage politics, and rising stars—the WWE landscape remains unpredictable. Fans can anticipate high-stakes matches and escalating drama as characters like Stratton, Vaquer, and others push for dominance in this critical phase of the wrestling calendar.
Nice try, @kianajames_wwe! 😤 pic.twitter.com/KELFiGMXau
— WWE (@WWE) October 4, 2025
