Tiffany Stratton’s wrestling journey began unexpectedly after her dream of reaching the Olympics as a gymnast was cut short due to injuries. Since signing with WWE in 2021, Stratton has rapidly ascended the ranks, capturing the NXT Women’s Championship, winning the Money In The Bank contract, and ultimately securing the WWE Women’s Title by mid-January 2025. Her rise illustrates how setbacks in one athletic pursuit can open doors to extraordinary new careers.
Originally focused on gymnastics, Stratton’s path changed when injuries forced her to leave the sport. She then explored CrossFit and bodybuilding before discovering professional wrestling. In an interview with Sidewalks Entertainment, she recounted this unexpected shift.
“So, yes, I was a gymnast basically my entire life. I grew up doing gymnastics. I wanted to go to the Olympics. That was like my ultimate goal. However, injuries and stuff like that kind of had me fall short of that. So eventually I had to quit gymnastics. It was very sad. Then I took up CrossFit and then I did bodybuilding for a little bit. I kind of was- I wanted to do something a little bit more competitive, and I saw wrestling on Instagram, and my mom and I too were scrolling through the channels, and SmackDown was on. My mom had mentioned, like, ‘that’s totally something I can see you doing,’ I was like, ‘yeah, whatever, mom, it’s fine.’ Then eventually I was like, ‘You know what, I’m gonna give it a go.’ So I looked up my nearest pro wrestling school, and it was Mr. Kennedy’s. I signed up for classes. Then my mom actually got in contact with Greg Gagne, who is an old wrestler for WWE. He agreed to train me and help me get a tryout. Then I tried out and they signed me a week later and I went through the whole system. I was in NXT for a little bit. I was there for about two years. Then I got called up around the Royal Rumble two years ago. Then eventually I won Money In The Bank and I cashed in and I became the WWE Women’s Champion, and here we are.”
Early Wrestling Training and WWE Breakthrough
After deciding to explore wrestling, Stratton found her local professional wrestling school owned by Mr. Kennedy and enrolled immediately. Her mother’s efforts to connect with WWE veteran Greg Gagne proved pivotal, as Gagne agreed to assist with her training and helped arrange her tryout with WWE. Signed swiftly, she entered WWE’s NXT program, spending two years honing her skills and building her character.
Her call-up came around the Royal Rumble two years ago, marking a critical turning point. Following this, her trajectory accelerated with a Money In The Bank victory that allowed her to cash in for the WWE Women’s Championship, securing her place among the sport’s elite at an impressively young stage in her wrestling career.
Preparing for a Title Clash at Crown Jewel
Stratton’s momentum continues as she prepares for a high-profile encounter at WWE’s Crown Jewel event. After overcoming Jade Cargill and Nia Jax in a match disrupted by a mistimed finish and a serious injury to Cargill, Stratton earned the right to face Stephanie Vaquer. This upcoming bout will pit the WWE Women’s Champion against the Women’s World Champion, with the winner claiming the Crown Jewel Championship—a title Liv Morgan won in 2024.
The event’s men’s matches are equally anticipated, featuring World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins challenging Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Additionally, John Cena, nearing retirement, is scheduled for one of his final matches against longtime rival AJ Styles, who is also set to retire in 2026 following a final WrestleMania appearance.
Ongoing Drama and Controversies in WWE
The WWE world remains turbulent with multiple news stories fueling drama behind the scenes and in the ring. A recent betrayal on WWE SmackDown shocked fans and wrestlers alike, escalating tensions within the brand. Matt Riddle addressed brewing controversy sparked by critical comments he made about AJ Lee, which displeased WWE legends.
Meanwhile, a former WWE superstar claimed he was dismissed before securing a $1 million annual contract, highlighting ongoing contract disputes. The Rock’s generosity has also been spotlighted, with a WWE Hall of Famer praising him as a preferred wrestling partner.
John Cena’s dwindling career invites speculation over who should be his final opponent, with some veterans urging for a specific matchup to close his legendary tenure. In more dramatic personal news, a real-life member of The Bloodline narrowly escaped death while serving a six-year prison sentence for aggravated robbery before his wrestling career began.
The rivalry between WWE’s NXT and TNA brands has intensified, with accusations of treason levied against a current champion, further escalating factional conflicts within professional wrestling.
Biopic Projects Highlight Wrestling Legends
Fans are set to see the release of a new biopic about Kurt Angle’s life, coinciding with the arrival of The Smashing Machine, a film chronicling the career of Mark Kerr, Angle’s former rival. These projects underscore the growing influence of wrestling narratives beyond the ring as they cross into mainstream culture.
