The WWE SmackDown Women’s Title triple threat match held in Orlando on September 27, 2025, faced an unplanned disruption that affected its conclusion. The contest saw Tiffany Stratton defend her title against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, with high energy and multiple nearfalls, but an injury forced a last-minute change to the planned finish, leading to what many are calling a WWE SmackDown match botch.
During the match, Jade Cargill suffered a cut on her head, visibly bleeding and showing it to the cameras. Toward the end, Cargill executed her Eye of the Storm slam on Jax, but Jax managed to kick out just before the pin. Stratton then dropkicked Cargill possibly to break the pin attempt; however, the timing appeared off, and the referee, Daphanie LaShaunn, stopped the count unexpectedly while Jax had not yet moved. This unusual moment caused confusion among the audience, compounded by Jax’s delayed shoulder lift and the fans’ loud boos.
The referee and the wrestlers quickly tried to fix the situation. Stratton responded by delivering an elbow drop and then climbed the top rope to land her signature move, the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, to secure the final pin and retain her championship after roughly 14 minutes in the ring.
Behind the Scenes: What Caused the Match’s Disruption?
According to TC of Wrestlevotes on X/Twitter, the original plan was for Tiffany Stratton to win the match. The sudden injury to Jade Cargill forced the team to adjust the finish rapidly with less than three minutes left on air, making clear communication and execution extremely challenging and resulting in the awkward ending fans witnessed.
“Tiffany was always scheduled to win, but Jade bleeding made them come up with a finish on the fly resulting in the clunkiness we saw.It’s extremely difficult to communicate & execute everything on the fly so quickly when the show has less than 3 minutes until its off the air.”
– TC of Wrestlevotes
TC also revealed that the match was produced by TJ Wilson, also known as Tyson Kidd. He confirmed the finish was altered on short notice due to Cargill’s injury, but the planned victory was always intended for Stratton.
“TJ Wilson (aka Tyson Kidd) was the producer of the WWE Women’s World Title match tonight on #SmackDown. The sequence at the end was obviously altered on the fly due to Jade Cargill’s gash but the winner of the match was always intended to be Tiffany Stratton.”
– TC of Wrestlevotes
Fan Reactions and the Reality of Live Wrestling
The unexpected ending has generated significant discussion among wrestling fans, many labeling the moment a botch, a term used when mistakes happen during a wrestling match. Such errors are especially sensitive in high-profile matches like a WWE main event, making the situation tense and uneasy for viewers.
“ROUGH ENDING AS TIFFANY STRATTON RETAINS THE WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/DmwEHBNsBX”
– @FadeAwayMedia
While it is unclear who might be held responsible—whether Stratton, Jax, Cargill, or referee Daphanie LaShaunn—the incident underscores how unpredictable live performance wrestling can be, even at its highest levels. WWE’s official YouTube channel chose to air the full match but omitted the botched pinfall sequence from the final moments.
What’s Next for Tiffany Stratton and WWE Women’s Championship?
Tiffany Stratton’s victory in the altered conclusion has secured her position as WWE Women’s Champion. She is scheduled to compete at the Crown Jewel event on October 11, where she will challenge Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. This match will determine who claims the title of Women’s Crown Jewel Champion in 2025, making Stratton’s continued reign especially significant despite the controversy surrounding her recent win.
Other WWE Headlines in the Wake of SmackDown’s Controversy
In related news, Stephanie McMahon was announced as the first inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame during Wrestlepalooza, an induction that may see Vince McMahon play a key role. Meanwhile, former WWE Champion CM Punk has earned praise for extending an apology to a fellow WWE star, signaling a possible move beyond past conflicts.
In a separate announcement, The Undertaker publicly apologized to WWE fans concerning aspects of his storied career, reflecting a rare moment of vulnerability from the wrestling legend. Brock Lesnar also remains in the spotlight after his dominant returns and recent victories, battering John Cena at SummerSlam 2025 and following up with a win at Wrestlepalooza.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shared a humorous update after undergoing a heart procedure, reassuring fans about his health. Additionally, praise has been directed at Triple H, considered one of wrestling’s great minds by fellow former champions. Sami Zayn kept his U.S. Title intact against a rising NXT star during SmackDown, while The Rock shed tears discussing his daughter’s career in WWE, highlighting the emotional connections these athletes carry beyond the ring.
The WWE SmackDown match botch involving Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax remains a vivid reminder of the unpredictable nature of live wrestling entertainment, reflecting the tension and challenges performers face with split-second adjustments and live broadcast pressures that can profoundly impact both performers and the audience alike.
Tiffany was always scheduled to win, but Jade bleeding made them come up with a finish on the fly resulting in the clunkiness we saw.
It's extremely difficult to communicate & execute everything on the fly so quickly when the show has less than 3 minutes until its off the air.
— TC | WrestleVotes (@TCwrestlevotes) September 27, 2025
TJ Wilson (aka Tyson Kidd) was the producer of the WWE Women's World Title match tonight on #SmackDown   
The sequence at the end was obviously altered on the fly due to Jade Cargill's gash but the winner of the match was always intended to be Tiffany Stratton.
— TC | WrestleVotes (@TCwrestlevotes) September 27, 2025
ROUGH ENDING AS TIFFANY STRATTON RETAINS THE WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP #SmackDown
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) September 27, 2025
