There is a new WWE Women’s World Champion, and it’s Tiffany Stratton. Ms. Money in the Bank finally graduated, and it was really well orchestrated.
After Nia Jax defeated Naomi in an awesome match—thanks to Stratton’s help—the latter turned on the champion and Candice LeRae, using Bianca Belair to get the drop on Jax.
Here is a look at the sequence.
After winning the women’s Money in the Bank match on July 6, Stratton had a number of teases, but on the first episode of SmackDown on USA, Tiffy struck.
Stratton, 25, became the fourth youngest female to ever win the Women’s Championship. While the crowd in Phoenix may not have been as electric as they were when Dolph Ziggler cashed in on Alberto Del Rio in April 2013, or when Seth Rollins cashed in on Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 31 in 2015, from a pure storytelling and structural standpoint, Stratton’s cash-in was money.
It was definitely the best cash-in in women’s history.
The cash-in was so strong, it has given Stratton a powerful push into her title reign and set her up for multiple feuds.
Stratton tossed Bianca Belair, who may want revenge and her title back. Naomi got hit with the briefcase, and Nia was betrayed. Let’s not forget Jade Cargill, who will likely be in the championship picture when she returns.
The SmackDown women’s division has some life.
SmackDown Results:
- Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Andrade via pinfall to retain the U.S. Title.
- Michin pinned Piper Niven via pinfall.
- Motor City Machine Guns defeated DIY via disqualification from Pretty Deadly and Legado Del Fantasma. DIY remains the Tag-Team Champions.
- Nia Jax defeated Naomi via pinfall. Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank Briefcase to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.
- Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu defeated Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Sami Zayn.
Other Noteworthy Moments:
- Paul Heyman cut a solid promo, and Solo asked him to hold the ula fala during Tribal Combat at the Raw on Netflix debut on January 6. The situation is primed for something major to happen on Monday. Hopefully, WWE makes a splash while also planting some new seeds with the Bloodline story.
- Drew McIntyre made his return and is now part of the SmackDown roster. He interrupted Cody Rhodes just before the latter was attacked from behind by Kevin Owens. WWE is still building toward their ladder match for the WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle title Owens has been carrying since Saturday Night’s Main Event. The story has been excellent and will be even better if Owens goes over at Royal Rumble. Stay tuned.
