WWE has confirmed a significant last-minute change to the NXT Homecoming event, as Tiffany Stratton has been pulled from the show after being deemed medically unfit to compete. The announcement came from NXT General Manager Ava on social media, shaking up what was expected to be a marquee six-woman tag team match featuring multiple former NXT Women’s Champions.
Tiffany Stratton’s WWE NXT Homecoming Match Scratched
Stratton was originally scheduled to team with Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer to take on the faction Fatal Influence, consisting of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx. This match was teased on last week’s NXT episode when the trio of former women’s champions confronted Fatal Influence, setting a high-profile showdown for Homecoming[1][2].
However, following her WWE Women’s Championship match against Jade Cargill on SmackDown, which ended in a double countout and a post-match assault by Nia Jax, Stratton was declared not medically cleared to compete. This development led to her removal from the Homecoming card mere days before the event[1][2].
In place of Stratton, former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria has been named to join Ripley and Vaquer for the six-woman tag team battle. This substitution maintains the competitive caliber of the match and keeps the storyline momentum intact[1][2].
Behind the Scenes: Injury or Storyline?
According to sources close to WWE, the decision to pull Stratton was genuinely based on medical evaluation rather than storyline considerations. An insider shared, “Tiffany took quite a beating on SmackDown, especially with that double countout finish and the subsequent attack from Nia Jax. WWE’s medical team felt it was too risky for her to wrestle again so soon — especially at a big event like NXT Homecoming”[1].
Such last-minute changes are uncommon but underscore WWE’s commitment to athlete safety, particularly with physical matches that can aggravate injuries.
Updated NXT Homecoming Match Card
The official lineup for WWE NXT Homecoming on September 16 now includes:
- Six-Woman Tag Match: Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria, and Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx
- NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Tyler Breeze
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley
- Tag Team Match: Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa
- Special Segment: The Grayson Waller Effect featuring NXT Champion Oba Femi and number one contender Ricky Saints[2][3]
The inclusion of Lyra Valkyria provides an intriguing dynamic, as she has previously held the NXT Women’s Championship herself, lending prestige and experience to the homecoming event.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Reaction among fans has been mixed but generally understanding. Many sympathize with Stratton’s situation and appreciate WWE’s precautionary approach. A fan discussion on wrestling forums noted, “It sucks to see Tiffany out, but better safe than sorry. Wrestling injuries can be serious, especially after such a brutal SmackDown match”[1].
Industry analysts highlight that NXT Homecoming is a crucial event for the developmental brand, and maintaining a high-quality card despite injury setbacks is paramount. Lyra Valkyria stepping in is seen positively, as it preserves competitive integrity and offers fresh storytelling possibilities[2][3].
What This Means for Tiffany Stratton’s Future
While no official timeline has been shared about Stratton’s return, insiders indicate WWE is prioritizing her full recovery before any future bookings. “WWE isn’t rushing her back. She’s a rising star, and they want her at 100 percent before stepping into the ring again,” a backstage source revealed.
Given Stratton’s momentum and recent high-profile matches, including her WWE Women’s Championship bout, fans can expect her to be a key figure in NXT once medically cleared[1][2].
WWE fans tuning in to NXT Homecoming will undoubtedly miss Stratton’s presence but can look forward to a night filled with exciting matchups and veteran talent appearances. Updates on Tiffany Stratton’s health and future NXT plans will be monitored closely as the company navigates this significant shift in its Homecoming card.