WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has shared her difficult beginnings at the WWE Performance Center, describing a sense of isolation during her initial training period. Stratton, known for her athletic background in gymnastics, bodybuilding, and weightlifting, signed with WWE in August 2021 before making her debut on the NXT developmental brand in November that year.
Her time at the Performance Center, where wrestlers refine their skills, was marked by loneliness because she was the only female in her signing group. This isolation persisted until she found camaraderie with other women who joined weeks later.
From Solitude to Support: Building Friendships with Fellow Wrestlers
During a recent appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast hosted by O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, Stratton opened up about how difficult it was being the sole girl in her training cohort. She explained that for weeks she lacked female peers to connect with, making her experience lonely in the early days.
“It was lonely. It was very lonely at first because I was the only girl in my signing group. So, for the longest time, I didn’t really have any girlfriends. And then 4 weeks later, thankfully another group came. It was the Vegas group, and Nikita Lions was in it. Maxxine Dupri was in it. Jakara Jackson, and thankfully, they came along and we all became friends, and I wasn’t alone anymore. So, it was very lonely at first, but it got better.” —Tiffany Stratton
The arrival of the Vegas group, which included Nikita Lions, Maxxine Dupri, and Jakara Jackson, transformed her experience by providing friendship and support, alleviating the earlier feelings of isolation.
Stratton’s Rise Through WWE: From NXT to Women’s Champion
After her challenging start, Stratton’s career flourished. She gained recognition on NXT through her dynamic in-ring abilities and engaging persona, earning the nickname “Buff Barbie.” Her success peaked with winning the NXT Women’s Championship before being promoted to WWE’s main roster on SmackDown following her standout performance in the 2024 Royal Rumble.
In January 2025, Stratton capitalized on her Money in the Bank contract to claim the WWE Women’s Championship from Nia Jax. Since then, she has held the title with an unbeaten record, defending it against legends like Charlotte Flair, Trish Stratus, and Jade Cargill, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the women’s division.
The Importance of the Performance Center in Shaping WWE Stars
The WWE Performance Center acts as a crucial training ground where future superstars develop their wrestling skills, character work, and physical conditioning. Stratton’s candid remarks reveal the personal challenges athletes may face beyond physical training, highlighting the emotional toll of beginning in an unfamiliar and competitive environment.
The friendships she developed with fellow wrestlers underscore the center’s role as not only a place for athletic growth but also a community that can provide vital emotional support.
Looking Forward: Stratton’s Impact and Ongoing Career
As Tiffany Stratton continues her reign as WWE Women’s Champion, her story of overcoming early loneliness adds depth to her public persona. Her candid disclosures about her experience at the Performance Center may resonate with aspiring wrestlers facing similar challenges.
Her undefeated streak and championship defenses promise a strong presence in WWE’s women’s division throughout 2025, where she is likely to remain a central figure. The evolving dynamics within WWE‘s roster and upcoming storylines could further highlight Stratton’s growth from a solitary trainee to a leading champion.
