Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton deviated from the script in a heated WWE SmackDown segment that has sparked internal concern ahead of their WrestleMania 41 clash. The exchange, aired on 4 April and later edited by WWE, included personal jabs that reportedly caught management off-guard.
A verbal segment between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton on WWE SmackDown has drawn internal scrutiny after both wrestlers went off-script, resulting in a tense back-and-forth that was not approved beforehand.
According to Fightful Select, the exchange reportedly began with Flair straying from the written promo, prompting Stratton to respond with a pointed remark referencing Flair’s recent divorce from fellow WWE star Andrade.
The comments escalated quickly. Stratton noted Flair was “0-3” in marriages and would be alone after their WWE Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 41. She exited the ring immediately after, a move reportedly meant to de-escalate the situation.
Flair responded on the microphone, claiming that Stratton’s boyfriend, WWE talent Ludwig Kaiser, had previously messaged her on social media.
Several backstage sources expressed concern about the segment. Management was reportedly unhappy with both performers, and some within the locker room indicated Stratton had been under pressure to “fight back” after a previous promo exchange that fans interpreted as an attempt by Flair to undercut her.
The segment, initially written by WWE writer Devyn Prieto, is believed to have been altered in response to a hostile crowd in Chicago. Flair was audibly booed and reportedly appeared rattled during the exchange.
Sources familiar with Flair’s approach noted that she frequently calls audibles during promos, and some WWE talents view engaging with her in the ring as a challenge that must be met head-on.
WWE has since edited the segment for digital platforms, removing references to both Flair’s personal life and Stratton’s relationship. According to Fightful, this was done under a “specific directive” from WWE management.
Flair is set to challenge Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. It marks Stratton’s first appearance on WWE’s biggest stage, while Flair is preparing for her eighth WrestleMania match.
Flair earned the title opportunity after winning the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, just over a year after returning from knee surgery.