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1h ago

Referee Botch Mars Stratton’s SmackDown Title Defense as Crown Jewel Looms

A pulled two-count despite no visible kickout drew loud boos and renewed scrutiny of counting practices, even as the result set Tiffany Stratton versus Stephanie Vaquer for Oct. 11 in Perth.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Naomi, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, Candice LeRae, Tiffany Stratton and Rhea Ripley all think they will win the Royal Rumble during SmackDown at Moody Center on January 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
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Overview

  • Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women’s Championship over Jade Cargill and Nia Jax in the Sept. 26 SmackDown main event in Orlando, winning with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
  • Referee Daphanie LaShaunn halted her three-count on a Stratton pin despite Nia Jax not clearly kicking out, producing on-screen confusion and a loud negative reaction from the crowd.
  • Video and reports described a chaotic closing stretch that included Cargill being busted open after a steel-steps spot before the disputed pin sequence.
  • Veteran official Charles Robinson, in a previously recorded interview cited after the show, said such miscues are typically on performers who miss kickouts, a view many interpreted as implicating Jax.
  • The outcome stands on television, advancing a champion-versus-champion match between Stratton and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel on Oct. 11 in Perth, as analysts note growing concern over high-profile finish errors.