Controversy and Change: WWE Pulls Tiffany Stratton vs. Bianca Belair Queen of the Ring Match
- Shari Flack-Council
- May 17, 2024
- 3 min read

Fans were not particularly eager about the Queen of the Ring match between Tiffany Stratton and Bianca Belair scheduled to air tonight on Friday Night Smackdown at 8 PM EST. The reason for their apprehension lies in a recent controversy involving Stratton, which has cast a shadow over her participation in the event. Due to the seriousness of the issue, WWE has decided to pull the match from the lineup, highlighting its commitment to a respectful and inclusive environment in the new era championed by Chief Creative Content Officer, Hunter "Triple H" Hearst Helmsley.
The controversy erupted during an unrecorded live match against Jade Cargill, where Tiffany Stratton shared and then swiftly deleted a video on her social media pages. The video captured a disturbing moment where she slapped Cargill and uttered the racially charged insult, “you black bitch.” This incident sparked outrage within the black community and among allies, leading to widespread calls for action against Stratton.
The backlash was swift and severe, with fans and advocates demanding accountability for Stratton's behavior. The derogatory remark was not only deeply offensive but also highlighted the ongoing issues of racism within the wrestling industry. The WWE, in response, has taken a firm stance by removing the Queen of the Ring match from tonight's Smackdown lineup, signaling a commitment to their proclaimed New Era of inclusivity and respect.
Hunter “Triple H” Hearst Helmsley has been vocal about his vision for WWE's future—a future where all talent, regardless of race or background, can thrive in an environment free from discrimination and hate. The decision to pull Stratton from the match with Belair is a clear indication that WWE is serious about these values and willing to take necessary actions to uphold them.
This move has been met with a mixture of reactions from the WWE Universe. Many fans applaud the decision as a step in the right direction, demonstrating that WWE is ready to address serious issues head-on. Others are disappointed to miss out on what promised to be an exciting match, but even they acknowledge the importance of holding wrestlers accountable for their actions.
As WWE navigates this challenging situation, it’s crucial for the organization to continue reinforcing its commitment to equality and respect both in and out of the ring. The wrestling world, like all entertainment industries, has a responsibility to ensure that its performers and fans are treated with dignity and respect. This incident serves as a reminder that the journey towards a truly inclusive environment is ongoing and requires vigilance and decisive action.
The fallout from this controversy will likely continue to unfold, but one thing is clear: WWE is making a statement that racism and bigotry have no place in its ring. As fans tune in to Friday Night Smackdown tonight, they will witness not just the thrilling matches that define WWE, but also the company's dedication to building a better, more inclusive future for all its athletes and supporters.
In place of the pulled match, WWE has announced an exciting new lineup for tonight's Smackdown, featuring some of the biggest names in wrestling. Logan Paul will face off against Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax will take on Jade Cargill, L.A. Knight will battle Toma Tonga, and Randy Orton will go head-to-head with Carmelo Hayes. This refreshed lineup promises an action-packed evening, ensuring fans will still get the high-energy entertainment they expect from WWE.
View New Line Up Here:https://www.wwe.com
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