3 Explanations for Tiffany Stratton’s absence from WWE SmackDown

While new WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill appeared on SmackDown, former Champion Tiffany Stratton was absent from the program.

The Storm cut a quick promo, crossed paths with Charlotte Flair, and expressed her change of attitude to former friends Michin and B-Fab. With the title changing hands, Cargill will be featured even more going forward.

The title may have changed hands, but Stratton is still one of WWE's most popular performers. Her absence from SmackDown could be for any of the next three reasons.

#3. She had planned time off

Before Saturday Night's Main Event, Tiffany Stratton was the longest-reigning current champion in WWE, winning the title back in January. In that time, every other title has changed hands at least once.

Before her defeat to Cargill at Saturday Night's Main Event, she was working on an undefeated streak of double-digit wins. Due to her prominent spot on SmackDown, she could have had planned time off after losing the title.

It's a common practice in wrestling whenever a major title changes hands. Being the top star of a brand can be taxing, so missing SmackDown could have been a part of the plan.

#2. Tiffany Stratton is legitimately injured

Before their showdown at Saturday Night's Main Event, Cargill turned heel with an attack on Stratton. She stomped on Stratton's leg against the steel step, giving The Center of the Universe a partial excuse if she dropped the title.

That act could have legitimately injured the former Champion, and the quick match was due to Stratton needing time off to heal.

Some injuries can be worked through, like Seth Rollins eating a spear and a splash after Crown Jewel. The injury could have been aggravated during the clash at Saturday Night's Main Event, explaining her absence.

#1. Selling Cargill's victory on SmackDown

Jade Cargill has always been presented as a physical specimen and special talent. Most female wrestlers aren't over six feet tall and chiseled from stone. Her heel turn was the move that got her over the hump against Stratton.

During the match at Saturday night's Main Event, Cargill won dominantly. Stratton got a few moves in, but for the most part, The Storm controlled the action from the start to the finish.

Keeping Stratton off of SmackDown after the title swap could have been done to sell the dominant performance of the new titleholder. Stratton can return in a few weeks.

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Edited by Matthew Serocki