On the October 24, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, reigning WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton scored a decisive non-title victory over Kiana James, only to be shockingly betrayed in a dramatic twist that has intensified the Women’s Championship storyline and set the stage for a major title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME).
Tiffany Stratton’s Victory Overshadowed by Sudden Attack
Stratton appeared dominant throughout her match against Kiana James, showcasing her athleticism and in-ring prowess. The non-title bout was expected to reinforce Stratton’s position atop the SmackDown women’s division, but the aftermath took fans by surprise. Shortly after the win, she was assaulted by Giulia, Kiana James’ secret weapon and a formidable competitor herself.
Giulia targeted Stratton with a brutal Arrividerci Knee strike, leaving the champion vulnerable. Before further damage could be done, the music of Jade Cargill, the current WWE Women’s United States Champion, interrupted the chaos[1].
Jade Cargill’s Unexpected Intervention and Ambush
Surprisingly, rather than aiding Giulia or James, Jade Cargill entered the fray to help Stratton up and extend a handshake — a moment that initially seemed to signal a new alliance or mutual respect. However, in a stunning act of duplicity, Cargill instead delivered a fierce clothesline followed by a merciless assault that sent Stratton crashing into the ringpost, steel steps, and even over the announce table.
The rampage continued despite intervention by security, with Cargill relentlessly stomping on Stratton. This shocking betrayal turned what appeared to be a moment of solidarity into hostility, dramatically altering the power dynamic within the SmackDown women’s division[1].
Backstage Insights on the Fallout and Title Match Announcement
Following the attack, WWE correspondent Cathy Kelley interviewed Jade Cargill. When asked whether she feared repercussions for her actions, Cargill dismissed the concern: “You only face consequences when you make a mistake.” She expressed frustration at waiting for her chance to capture the top women’s prize, boldly declaring: “The world doesn’t reward patience, it rewards power and I’m taking it, starting with the WWE Women’s Championship!” This fearless statement led to the official announcement that Jade Cargill will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship at SNME next Saturday[1].
Sources close to WWE confirmed that this plot twist was long in the planning stages as part of a strategic storyline designed to elevate both competitors and add compelling layers to the title chase. According to a WWE insider, “The betrayal was crafted to give Tiffany a fresh challenge and showcase Jade’s ruthless ambition. It also sets up an intense rivalry that we expect to reach new heights at SNME.”
The Road to SNME: A Rivalry Built Over Time
This isn’t the first time Stratton and Cargill have clashed. Their rivalry has been simmering for months. Stratton successfully defended her championship against Jade in a double count-out match on September 12 and at SummerSlam, while a triple threat involving Nia Jax saw Stratton emerge victorious last month. Yet, neither competitor has fully conquered the other, leaving the women’s division wide open for a decisive showdown[1].
Giulia’s interference and alliance with Kiana James have complicated Stratton’s journey. James, portraying a disruptive faction leader role, continuously challenges Stratton’s reign by leveraging Giulia’s strength and cunning. The betrayal incident on SmackDown marks a turning point where new alliances and enmities emerge, raising anticipation for their next moves.
What Fans Can Expect at Saturday Night’s Main Event
Saturday Night’s Main Event, scheduled for next week, promises a high-profile spotlight on the WWE Women’s Championship scene. The added drama of betrayal and escalating tensions ensures the match between Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill will be more than a title defense — it will be a battle fueled by personal animosity and power struggles.
Industry experts predict a hard-hitting, emotionally charged contest. As one analyst noted, “Both women bring different styles and charisma to the ring. Tiffany’s technical skill and agility versus Jade’s physical dominance and aggression. It’s a recipe for a classic match.”
Implications for SmackDown’s Women’s Division
This betrayal and the upcoming championship match could signal a potential shift in power dynamics within WWE SmackDown’s women’s roster. Tiffany Stratton, while resilient, now faces not only the challenge of defending her title but also managing fractured alliances and new rivalries developing in the background.
Meanwhile, Jade Cargill’s bold actions underscore her intent to rise rapidly through the ranks and capture top gold. Her alliance with Kiana James and Giulia suggests a possible faction or at least a strong partnership that could influence future storylines.
Final Thoughts
The WWE SmackDown episode on October 24 delivered a game-changing moment with Tiffany Stratton’s shocking betrayal, intensifying the race for the women’s title and elevating the stakes for Saturday Night’s Main Event. With Jade Cargill staking her claim aggressively, the women’s division looks set for more explosive drama in the coming weeks.
As backstage sources tell us, the WWE creative team is investing heavily in positioning these athletes as central figures in SmackDown’s evolving narrative — promising fans captivating storytelling and high-quality matches ahead.