WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton has been sidelined. WWE's NXT General Manager, Ava, made the announcement on social media, revealing that Stratton is not medically cleared to compete and will be replaced in her scheduled six-woman tag team match.
Stratton was slated to team up with fellow main roster stars and former NXT champions Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer to face the formidable trio of Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx). The match was a marquee attraction for the event, which is being held at Full Sail University, the former home of NXT.
The reason for Stratton's injury stems from a physically demanding match on the previous Friday's episode of SmackDown, where she defended her WWE Women's Championship against Jade Cargill. While the specifics of the injury have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest she sustained a blow to the head or neck following a botched moonsault to the outside of the ring. The match was reportedly cut short, ending in a double count-out after Stratton was attacked by Nia Jax.
Taking Stratton's place in the highly anticipated match will be former NXT Women's Champion Lyra Valkyria. This substitution maintains the "former NXT champions" theme of the team and pits Valkyria alongside Ripley and Vaquer against Fatal Influence.
This isn't the first time Stratton has faced a setback due to injury. The former gymnast has a history of high-risk maneuvers and has previously had to take time off due to injury, including a foot fracture she sustained during her gymnastics career and a period on the sidelines in late 2022. While the current severity of her condition is unknown, the priority is clearly her health and a safe recovery.
Fans and observers are expressing disappointment over the change to the card but are largely in agreement that her well-being is the top priority. The swift announcement and replacement by Lyra Valkyria ensures the show will go on, but the absence of "Tiffy Time" is a notable loss for the NXT Homecoming event.
