In a dramatic turn of events on the April 4, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton engaged in a promo segment that quickly escalated beyond the scripted content, leaving both the audience and WWE management in shock. The confrontation was marked by personal jabs, particularly comments from Stratton regarding Flair's recent divorce from fellow WWE star Andrade, and a back-and-forth that had the Chicago crowd buzzing.
The segment was intended to build hype for their upcoming clash at WrestleMania 41, but it took an unexpected turn. Stratton, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, boldly declared that Flair was now "0-3" in her marriages, a statement that drew audible gasps from the audience. Flair, known for her sharp wit and ability to improvise in the ring, responded in kind, referencing Stratton's boyfriend, RAW Superstar Ludwig Kaiser, and claiming he had previously slid into her DMs. This exchange, filled with tension and personal undertones, was not part of the original script, leading to concerns among WWE officials.
According to reports from Fightful Select, the promo segment was scripted by Devyn Prieto, but the execution went awry as both women veered off the planned dialogue. Sources indicate that Flair initiated the off-script commentary, prompting Stratton to retaliate in a bid to assert herself during the confrontation. While some talents noted that going up against Flair can be intimidating, they also acknowledged that it’s essential for wrestlers to stand their ground to avoid being overshadowed.
Backstage reactions were mixed, with many talents expressing that the situation was tense. Flair reportedly did not appear pleased with how the segment unfolded, and WWE management was also unhappy with both performers. They felt the promo did not align with the company’s standards and that both women were to blame for the chaotic exchange. Following the segment, WWE took the unusual step of editing out the personal remarks from the digital versions of the promo, a move described as a "specific directive" from management.
The atmosphere backstage was described as contentious, with higher-ups discussing the implications of the promo and whether it would affect the upcoming WrestleMania match. Jon Alba, a notable wrestling journalist, reported that there were concerns about how the segment might influence the narrative leading up to WrestleMania 41, where Stratton will defend her title against Flair. The promo battle, which was meant to generate excitement, instead raised questions about the professionalism and direction of both competitors.
Many within the WWE roster have suggested that the company should lean into the drama created by the promo. With both Flair and Stratton known for their strong personalities, there’s potential for this storyline to evolve into something compelling as they head toward WrestleMania. However, whether management will allow this remains uncertain, especially given the backlash from the recent segment.
Fans reacted strongly to the promo, with audible reactions of surprise and excitement, indicating that the crowd was engaged in the moment. The Chicago audience, known for its passionate responses, seemed to influence the flow of the segment, as they booed Flair at various points, which likely contributed to her visible frustration during the exchange.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, the stakes are higher than ever for both women. For Stratton, this will mark her debut on WWE’s grandest stage, while Flair will be making her eighth appearance, having previously faced some of the biggest names in women’s wrestling. The history between these two competitors adds another layer of intrigue to their match, and fans are eagerly anticipating how this storyline will unfold.
The April 4 promo segment has undoubtedly set the stage for a heated encounter at WrestleMania. Both Stratton and Flair have proven they can deliver in high-pressure situations, and their recent exchange has only heightened expectations for their championship clash. As the wrestling world watches closely, the question remains: how will this controversy impact their match and the future of both competitors in WWE?
