WWE SmackDown Shakes the Wrestling World: Tiffany Stratton’s Botched Retention, Jacob Fatu’s Return, and Shocking Cameos

Tiffany Stratton Retains After Controversial Botched Finish

The main event saw WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defend her title in a triple threat match against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax. What should have been a showcase of dominance turned into a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

A miscommunication with the referee caused confusion when Jax appeared to be pinned, but the count was stopped at two despite her not kicking out. Jade Cargill, already enraged and bloodied from a brutal steel steps attack, tried to capitalize with a pin attempt on Jax. At that moment, Stratton struck with a decisive dropkick and later hit her signature Prettiest Moonsault Ever to secure victory.

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Tiffany Stratton remains undefeated in 2025.

• Jade Cargill showcased intensity but left the ring visibly frustrated.

• Nia Jax was pinned cleanly after the referee controversy.

• Stephanie Vaquer awaits Stratton at WWE Crown Jewel in Australia.

Jacob Fatu Returns to Target Drew McIntyre

One of the most memorable moments of WWE SmackDown came when Jacob Fatu returned to confront Drew McIntyre. McIntyre was in the middle of a fiery promo, blaming Cody Rhodes for past officiating errors, when Fatu stormed the ring.

The tension escalated quickly: McIntyre landed a Glasgow Kiss, but Fatu overpowered him, leaving the Scottish Warrior laid out in the ring. This surprise return signals the beginning of a new feud that could disrupt McIntyre’s plans to chase championship gold.

NXT Stars Sol Ruca and Zaria Crash the Women’s Tag Division

The WWE SmackDown women’s tag team scene received an unexpected shakeup when NXT standouts Sol Ruca and Zaria appeared unannounced. They confronted reigning champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, issuing a bold challenge that immediately raised eyebrows.

This crossover appearance suggests WWE is serious about building depth in its women’s tag division. With established champions facing hungry challengers from NXT, fans could witness fresh rivalries that blend star power with new energy.

YouTube TV Dispute Interrupts WWE SmackDown Broadcast

While the in-ring drama unfolded, fans streaming WWE SmackDown via YouTube TV saw a warning message flash across their screens. The alert, tied to an ongoing dispute between NBCUniversal and YouTube TV, left many worried about future access to Friday Night SmackDown on the platform.

Though the matches continued without interruption in the arena, this broadcast issue added another layer of uncertainty to the night.

Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Sami Zayn Add More Drama

The rest of WWE SmackDown was packed with action and star power:

• Cody Rhodes opened the show following a Paul Heyman segment that recapped WrestlePalooza.

• Randy Orton, known as The Viper, made a surprise appearance, electrifying the crowd.

• Melo Don’t Miz (The Miz & Carmelo Hayes) battled The Street Profits for a future tag team title opportunity.

• B-FAB and “Michin” Mia Yim faced Giulia and Kiana James in a women’s tag match.

• Sami Zayn accepted a challenge from Je’Von Evans in a spotlight United States Championship encounter.

Tiffany Stratton, Drew McIntyre, and Future SmackDown Storylines

With Tiffany Stratton proving yet again why she is the face of the women’s division, Drew McIntyre entering a potential war with Jacob Fatu, and NXT stars stirring the pot, WWE SmackDown has set the stage for intense storylines heading into the fall.

Fans are now eager to see if Stratton’s reign continues unscathed, whether Jacob Fatu’s momentum derails McIntyre, and how new challengers will reshape the tag team picture.