The latest WWE SmackDown episode featured two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, but the Women’s Triple Threat contest involving Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, and Kiana James became the most talked-about moment due to a disputed referee count during a pinfall attempt. This incident occurred during the match aired on February 20, 2026, and has stirred discussions among fans and commentators alike.
Charlotte Flair, widely favored to win and currently involved in a storyline hinting at a significant upcoming confrontation with Jade Cargill, entered the match under heavy scrutiny. Their pre-match staredown added to the anticipation, signaling potential high-stakes developments for Flair’s career trajectory.
Action Unfolds with Intense Exchanges Among Competitors
Once the match began, Flair faced fierce competition from both Jax and James. Initially, Kiana James attempted to team up with Nia Jax, but Jax rebuffed the alliance, opting to fight independently. She asserted her dominance early on by delivering powerful pop-up headbutts and her trademark running hip attacks on both opponents.
Flair responded with her signature moves, including hard chops, a side kick targeted at Jax, and a decisive walk-over clothesline aimed at James. The match pace intensified, setting the stage for the pivotal moment that would ignite the controversy.
Disputed Pinfall After High-Risk Maneuver Raises Questions
The most scrutinized moment came when James climbed to the top rope, attempting a high-impact move. Flair intercepted and executed a Spanish Fly from the top turnbuckle, landing the maneuver with impressive precision. Flair quickly went for the pinfall, and from the live broadcast, it appeared the referee counted three as James lay on the mat. However, James raised her shoulder at what seemed to be a two-count, and the official signaled that the match was still ongoing.
This sequence caused confusion in the arena; many fans reacted as if the match had concluded, while replays shared online sparked a vigorous debate about the legitimacy of the referee’s count. Some viewers argued it was a referee error, while others believed it was a split-second illusion created by the fast-paced action.
Flair’s Dominance Challenged in Final Moments of the Match
Despite the controversial incident, the contest continued with Flair maintaining control. She later performed a pop-up powerbomb on James and immediately locked in the Figure Four leglock, aiming to force a submission. Jax intervened to break the hold, keeping James in the match.
Flair then executed a powerbomb from the ropes on Jax and transitioned into her finishing submission, the Figure Eight, appearing poised to win. However, James strategically re-entered the ring, slipping into position to steal the pinfall and claim victory over both competitors.
Fan Reactions Amplify the Debate Over Officiating Standards
HOLY SH*T WHAT A SPANISH FLY!!!
AND SEEMS LIKE THE REF BOTCHED THE COUNT 😭#Smackdown pic.twitter.com/LecWhsjAhy
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) February 21, 2026
The tweet above encapsulates the sentiment shared by many wrestling fans who witnessed the controversial count, highlighting the excitement over Flair’s move but questioning the referee’s decision-making in the moment.
Potential Consequences for WWE Storylines and Officiating Scrutiny
This referee confusion has ignited discussions about how officiating errors can impact WWE storylines and viewer engagement. Given Flair’s prominence as a second-generation wrestler—daughter of Ric Flair—and her ongoing build-up toward potential marquee matches, this moment could influence upcoming plot developments.
Moreover, with WWE SmackDown’s focus on creating compelling narratives around its talent such as Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and featured stars like Jax and James, any match-related controversies often become focal points in fan conversations. How WWE addresses this debate, whether through storyline integration or officiating clarifications, remains to be seen in future episodes.
HOLY SH*T WHAT A SPANISH FLY!!!
AND SEEMS LIKE THE REF BOTCHED THE COUNT 😭#Smackdown pic.twitter.com/LecWhsjAhy
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) February 21, 2026
