As WWE Money in the Bank 2024 approaches, Tiffany Stratton, both the professional and betting favorite to become this year’s Ms. Money in the Bank, addressed a lingering controversy regarding a social media misstep. In an interview with Adrian Hernandez, Stratton spoke candidly about a May 2024 Instagram post that sparked backlash from fans who deemed it inappropriate and racist.
Stratton attempted to set the record straight. “I didn’t hear the audio,” she clarified. “I had it up for maybe 20 seconds, and I deleted it as soon as I heard the audio. It was an honest mistake.”
The post in question, which Stratton had reposted from a fan, featured a clip of her striking former WWE Women’s Team Champion Jade Cargill during a tag team match, knocking her off the ring apron. The controversy stemmed from an audio overlay in the video, where a voice shouted the words “Black b****” as Stratton hit Cargill, who is Black. Despite quickly deleting the post, it had already circulated widely within the wrestling community, leading to significant backlash.
Internally, Stratton reportedly faced no formal punishment for the post. However, she did wrestle in a losing effort against Bianca Belair three days later on “WWE SmackDown” and subsequently did not appear in another televised match for over a month. This absence was unusual, especially considering her steady appearances following her transition from “WWE NXT” to the main roster.
Stratton’s return to the ring on June 28 saw her qualifying for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, signaling her resurgence in WWE’s storyline plans. It seems the company has moved past the controversy, with Stratton back in action and ready to compete at one of WWE’s most anticipated events of the year.
Stephen’s Insight
The situation surrounding Tiffany Stratton’s Instagram post highlights the fine line public figures walk on social media. In the fast-paced world of professional wrestling, where personas and real-life actions often intersect, even a brief lapse in judgment can have far-reaching consequences. Stratton’s quick deletion of the post and her subsequent explanation suggest an unintentional mistake rather than malicious intent. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and sensitivity in an age where online actions are scrutinized intensely.
Stratton’s ability to bounce back from the controversy and secure a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match demonstrates resilience and perhaps WWE’s belief in her potential. As she prepares for one of the biggest matches of her career, the wrestling world will be watching to see if she can rise above the controversy and capture the coveted briefcase.
