WWE has announced a significant update regarding Tiffany Stratton’s upcoming title defense on SmackDown. The reigning WWE Women’s Champion, known as the Buff Barbie, was set to defend her championship against Jade Cargill this week. However, this match will now take place on the September 26 episode of SmackDown instead of the originally planned schedule.
Stratton recently defended her title against Jade Cargill on the blue brand, which ended in a double count-out, leaving the championship scene unresolved. Earlier expectations also included a potential Triple Threat match involving Nia Jax, but that bout has been shifted to next week’s show. This decision comes following Stratton’s withdrawal from a six-woman tag team match at the NXT Homecoming event due to medical reasons.
Changes to Wrestlepalooza Plans and Medical Concerns
Reports from BodySlam confirm that the anticipated Triple Threat match between Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Jade Cargill will no longer headline Wrestlepalooza, scheduled for tomorrow night in Indiana. Instead, the contest is moved to SmackDown’s next Friday broadcast. This shift alters WWE’s storyline trajectory and affects fan expectations for the Indiana event.
Earlier this year, Stratton earned the WWE Women’s Championship by cashing in her Money in the Bank contract against Nia Jax. Jade Cargill, after winning the Queen of the Ring Tournament by defeating Asuka at Night of Champions, has since failed to secure the title from Stratton, most recently at SummerSlam 2025.
Vince Russo Critiques Tiffany Stratton’s Championship Run
Industry veteran Vince Russo has expressed mixed feelings about Tiffany Stratton’s time as WWE Women’s Champion. Speaking on the Sportskeeda Wrestling BroDown podcast, Russo acknowledged Stratton’s powerful appearance as a wrestler but voiced frustration over the repeated use of Nia Jax as her primary opponent.
“You’ve got a woman whose legs are like freaking tree trunks. Her freaking thighs, bro, like are so freaking thick like that. You know, that’s why, you know, when I look at that, I’m like, ‘Okay, she’s a wrestler. She can hurt people. She can beat people up.’ Like, I buy that. I don’t have a problem with it. My only problem with this, to be honest with you, Mac, is Bro, how many times are we going to go to that Nia Jax well? It’s been years,” Russo said.
His remarks highlight ongoing concerns about the diversity of challengers for Stratton’s title and the risk of storylines becoming repetitive, which may impact the momentum of her championship reign.
Implications for Tiffany Stratton and WWE Storylines
The postponement of Stratton’s title match and critiques from wrestling commentators underscore the uncertain landscape surrounding her WWE Women’s Championship run. As the match approaches on next week’s SmackDown, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how WWE manages her challengers and storyline development.
How long Stratton can maintain her hold on the title, particularly with frequent clashes against familiar opponents like Nia Jax, remains an open question. WWE’s choices in the coming weeks may significantly influence both the champion’s reputation and the overall dynamic of the women’s division on SmackDown.
Sources indicate that a Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax match was originally planned for WWE Wrestlepalooza, but it will no longer be taking place there.
Instead, the match will be taking place next week on SmackDown.
– @BodyslamNet pic.twitter.com/hiVKTwT1Qu
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 19, 2025
