4 Superstars who could be Tiffany Stratton's first challenger as WWE Women's Champion

Tiffany Stratton rang in the new year in blockbuster fashion by cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase to become the new WWE Women's Champion. The Buff Barbie made history with the first title change of 2025, finally turning on Nia Jax and pulling off one of the most intricate and complex cash-ins of all time. Tiffy Time has officially arrived, just over three years since she joined the business.

There's not much time to celebrate for the homegrown superstar, however, with a huge target now painted on her back. Since she now holds the top prize on the blue brand, the 25-year-old is likely to have a long line of challengers stepping up to face her. These could be new enemies eyeing gold, dream opponents with an eye on WrestleMania season, or old foes returning to haunt the new champ.

Let's look at four women who could be Tiffany Stratton's first challenger for the WWE Women's Championship on SmackDown.

#4: Naomi was screwed out of winning the WWE Women's Championship by Tiffany Stratton

Tiffany Stratton's Money in the Bank cash-in was one of the most elaborate, with a great many superstars involved. Before Stratton pinned Nia Jax to become WWE Women's Champion, she had to throw Bianca Belair over the announce table, drive Candice Lerae into the ring post, attack Jax herself, and even throw a referee over a barricade!

Amidst all that, it's easy to forget that Naomi was the original challenger, and was giving the champion a run for her money. The Buff Barbie attacked her as a way of getting the Irresistible Force's guard down, costing the former TNA Knockouts Champion her opportunity. The Queen Of Glow is unlikely to let the new champion get away with it and could demand the fair shot she was denied on January 3.

#3: Bianca Belair provided a huge assist for Tiffany Stratton to win the WWE Women's Championship

Bianca Belair was ringside for Nia Jax's WWE Women's Championship defense against her tag team partner, Naomi. The EST largely served as moral support for her fellow Women's Tag Team Champion, staying out of the bout until Tiffany Stratton got involved. Belair's involvement saw her hit an incredibly impressive KOD before being yanked out of the ring for the cash-in.

The Center of the Universe owes the longest-reigning Women's Champion in history big for that assist, and the latter could seek to collect on her debt straight away. Belair could make the case to Nick Aldis that she's the only reason Stratton is holding the title, which could then lead to a match on SmackDown, Saturday Night's Main Event, or the Royal Rumble.

A win over arguably the face of the entire women's division would go a long way toward legitimizing the 25-year-old's reign

#2: Nia Jax is bound to demand a rematch for the WWE Women's Championship

Nia Jax was one of the best champions in all of WWE in 2024. After winning Queen Of The Ring, Jax defeated Bayley at SummerSlam to win her second world title. Despite considerable fan skepticism at the time of her win, The Irresistible Force outperformed expectations, consistently serving up compelling character work, entertaining segments, and solid matches.

Having just lost her title to her former protege by way of cash-in, the deposed champion has two options. She could either take a break and return to confront Stratton down the road or demand an immediate one-on-one rematch to try and get her title back as soon as possible. We can only sit back and wait to see what unfolds between Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton (and Candice Lerae!)

#1: Charlotte Flair could return to challenge Tiffany Stratton at the 2025 Royal Rumble

After more than a year out with multiple long-term knee injuries, Charlotte Flair has been teasing an imminent return to WWE. Reports suggest The Queen will return with a darker twist to her persona, most likely appearing on SmackDown which has newly adopted an increased runtime of three hours and is home to real-life husband Andrade.

High on the list of potential return opponents for The Queen is new WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton. The Center of the Universe has drawn comparisons to the 14-time world champion, and also personally cited the latter as a dream opponent and inspiration. Many fans expect Flair to return at the Royal Rumble and kick off a WrestleMania feud with Stratton.

What if The Queen returns earlier than anticipated, setting up a singles match at the Rumble? What if this snowballs into a trilogy continuing at Elimination Chamber and culminating at WrestleMania 41? There are plenty of surprise potential Royal Rumble returns in Triple H's quiver such as Jade Cargill and Becky Lynch, so bringing Flair back early wouldn't hurt the 30-woman match.

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