Credit: WWE.com
The September 26, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a high-stakes triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Championship that left fans buzzing with debate. Reigning champion Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her title against formidable challengers Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, but not without controversy as the match ended in a chaotic and somewhat perplexing fashion. An intense encounter that saw Cargill busted open and a finish that raised eyebrows set the tone for what’s next in the women’s division.
Triple Threat Drama: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax
The WWE Women’s Championship was on the line in a triple threat match held live at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Stratton, who won the title earlier this year by cashing in her Women’s Money In The Bank contract on Nia Jax, was challenged once again by two of her top rivals. Jade Cargill, fresh off a double count-out finish in a prior SmackDown encounter and a loss at SummerSlam Night One, was hungry for redemption. Nia Jax, a dominant force in the division, was looking to regain the gold after multiple failed attempts.
The match itself was brutal and physical, with all three women showcasing their signature moves and resilience. A pivotal moment came when Jade Cargill executed her powerful finisher, the Jaded a devastating facebuster maneuver that seemed to seal her victory. However, despite Cargill appearing dominant for the majority of the bout and leaving Stratton vulnerable, the finish took an unexpected turn.
Controversial Ending: Stratton Retains Amid Chaos
Just as Jade Cargill looked poised to claim the championship, the match took a bizarre twist. The referee’s count became a focal point of contention, accompanied by a sudden interruption. Tiffany Stratton managed to capitalize on the confusion, recovering just in time, and ultimately retained her title. The conclusion left many viewers questioning whether the finish was planned to extend the rivalry or if there were some behind-the-scenes issues influencing the booking.
Adding to the chaos, Jade Cargill suffered a notable cut during the match, becoming visibly busted open a testament to the intense physicality on display. Despite this, she pushed through, underscoring her toughness and determination to reach the top of WWE’s women’s division.
According to a WWE insider close to the creative team, “The decision to end the match this way was designed to keep the storyline simmering. Tiffany’s reign needed to feel vulnerable, and Jade’s injury was an unfortunate real-time development that was creatively woven into the finish”
Aftermath and Fallout: Championship Spotlight Shifts
Following the triple threat match, the show closed on a strong note when Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer made an imposing entrance, confronting Tiffany Stratton in the ring. The visual of these two champions holding up their respective belts created instant buzz, hinting at a potential unification or high-profile showdown in the near future.
The champion vs. champion stare-down sent a clear message that the women’s division is heating up and storylines on SmackDown will likely continue to intertwine. Fans are eagerly speculating about the possibility of cross-brand clashes or multi-champion matches that could redefine the hierarchy in WWE’s women’s ranks.
Jade Cargill’s Resilience Despite Injury
Jade Cargill’s busted-open condition did not stop her from delivering a strong performance against two of WWE’s most dangerous female athletes. Inside sources reveal that the injury was the result of an impact during a high-risk move, and WWE doctors assessed her post-match to ensure her safety.
An insider shared, “Jade wanted to keep going and show fans that she’s a warrior. The team is respecting her grit, but health is a priority moving forward, so they’re taking no chances”.
Her determination to compete through adversity has only elevated her status as a top contender, and given the unresolved finish, it’s logical to expect that Cargill will continue her pursuit of the WWE Women’s Championship with even more intensity.
Tiffany Stratton’s Championship Reign: On the Rise
Tiffany Stratton’s defense adds another successful chapter to her title reign that began on SmackDown in January 2025. Utilizing a blend of skill, athleticism, and opportunistic tactics, she has overcome several high-caliber challengers including Nia Jax multiple times in different match stipulations.
Wrestling analyst Alex Kahrs noted, “Stratton has carved out a unique niche in the division by combining technical prowess with psychological savvy. Tonight’s chaotic finish only reinforces her status as a cunning champion who knows how to survive and thrive under pressure”.
Her ability to retain against strong opposition, including the controversial ending last night, keeps fans invested in her as a credible titleholder despite ongoing challenges.
Fans React: Social Media Buzzes with Theories and Opinions
The WWE Universe reacted vociferously on social media following the match and its unusual ending. Some praised Stratton’s resilience and tactical savvy, while others expressed frustration over the perceived anti-climactic conclusion that denied Cargill a clean victory. Debate persists about whether the finish undermined the momentum of Cargill’s push or successfully extended the storyline for future payoffs.
One fan tweeted, “Jade looked 🔥 tonight. That busted open look just added to her badassery. But that weird finish? Not cool. We deserve a fair outcome!” Another wrote, “Tiffany’s champ run is getting interesting. Can’t wait to see Vaquer vs. Stratton now that staredown was 🔥!”.
What’s Next for WWE Women’s Championship Picture?
With Tiffany Stratton retaining and Stephanie Vaquer looming as a champion looking for big challenges, the WWE Women’s Championship scene is at a tantalizing crossroads. Jade Cargill’s injury, while a setback, only fuels anticipation for a rematch or even a multi-woman showdown involving all three competitors.
The backstage atmosphere, as relayed by sources within WWE’s creative, is abuzz with plans to craft a compelling follow-up that capitalizes on the physical and emotional intensity seen in this match. Fans can expect more high-profile matches and storylines branching from last night’s SmackDown.