The Passing of the Torch: Why Charlotte Flair Will Soon Hand the Crown to Tiffany Stratton
The WWE universe has witnessed many iconic reigns in the women’s division, giving us a catalog of distinctive and unforgettable champions, all different from their predecessors. Now that we have embarked on a new era within WWE, whether you call it the “TKO era,” the “Paul Levesque era,” or the “Netflix era,” it’s clear that with a new approaching epoch comes new reigns.
Tiffany Stratton’s Meteoric Ascent
Bursting onto the wrestling scene with the perfect blend of athleticism, charisma, charm, and undeniable star power, Tiffany Stratton has carved out a space for herself among the wrestling elite. Stratton’s journey from an up-and-coming NXT wrestler to the face of Smackdown’s women’s division has been a whirlwind, yet her dominance feels anything but fleeting. With each match and strategic decision, it’s proven she is far from a placeholder but a future horsewoman.
A New Horsewoman Emerges
The 25-year-old champion’s rise mirrors the original four horsewomen: Sasha Banks (Mercedes Moné), Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Charlotte Flair. Each member of the original Horsewomen brought something unique to the table. Like many other talented wrestlers, Stratton embodies elements of all these women—Sasha’s instincts for opportunities, the regal presence of Charlotte, Bayley’s individuality, and the tenacity of Becky. These women revolutionized the women’s division, breaking barriers and setting new standards to follow. At the same time, Stratton has brought fresh energy to the squared circle, pushing how far the limits of ‘what believing in yourself‘ can go.
“Every single opportunity [that] I got, I made the absolute most of it,” Stratton revealed. “Look where I am three years later. I am competing in France [and] I competed in Australia. I’m competing for the WWE Women’s Championship against the champion and a former champion. Let’s [just] imagine where I [will] be in the next three years.“
Stratton’s Historic MITB Victory
But she didn’t have to wait three years. Within the next two months, she would win and become the youngest Miss Money in the Bank in WWE history. Stratton’s journey to greatness didn’t stop there; she cemented her rise to the top when she leveraged her historic MITB win and friendship with the former champion Nia Jax to strategically cash in on Jax and claim the WWE women’s championship, showcasing her cunning and opportunistic nature. Her impressive achievement proved that Stratton wasn’t just planning her next move—she was speaking them into existence, far sooner than anyone could have anticipated.
Months before the cash-in, during an interview with the New York Post, Stratton disclosed that becoming a champion within her first year on Smackdown would be a confidence booster: “It would mean everything to me. It would [definitely] instill a lot of confidence within myself and holding a title within my first year of being on SmackDown, would be so iconic, it would go down in history.“
A New Generation Rises
Historically speaking, the idea of a new four-horsewomen has gained traction among wrestling fans and analysts. If the original group sets the foundation, the new one will build upon it, taking the division to even greater heights. Stratton is undeniably at the forefront of this movement. Her peers, including names like Roxanne Perez, and Lyra Valkyria, represent the best and brightest of this generation, ready to lead WWE into a new golden age. But before Stratton can truly claim the throne, there’s one final challenge standing in her way: the queen herself.
The Queen’s Successor: Stratton’s Coronation
One of the most anticipated moments in recent WWE history is the eventual passing of the torch from Flair to Stratton. Flair, as the most decorated female wrestler in WWE with 14 title reigns on her resume, has set a standard that few can match. With a legacy of dominance and excellence, it’s easy to imagine who will carry the torch as she steps into the next phase of her career. The symbolism of Flair, passing the crown to Stratton is profound. It’s the ushering in of a new period, one that promises to be as impactful and thrilling as the last. This moment, when it happens, will be one for the ages, a defining chapter for both women.
The Stratton Era: A New Chapter Begins
Stratton’s story from a promising upstart to reigning champion, and now a central figure in the future of WWE’s women’s division, is a testament to her talent, hard work, and star power. And as she continues to build her legacy, fans can look forward to a future that’s bright and bold.
It is truly Tiffy’s time to shine.
