CM Punk delivered perhaps the funniest shot at Tiffany Stratton this week without even mentioning her name.
On Friday’s SmackDown, Punk handed Cody Rhodes a handwritten list of potential recruits for Team USA at Survivor Series. Among the ridiculous suggestions was “Es Gee Tee Slaughter,” an obvious callback to Stratton’s viral moment earlier this year when she failed to recognize WWE Hall of Fame Sgt. Slaughter by opening trading cards.
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It’s a small joke, but it speaks to something bigger about Stratton’s character. Her recent heel turn may be just what she needs, and Friday’s showdown with Chelsea Green provided the strongest evidence yet.
Tiffany Stratton’s natural arrogance and confidence have helped make her one of the hottest rising stars in WWE.WWE/Getty Images
Tiffany Stratton has always looked better in heels
Punk’s note to Cody Rhodes, which Rhodes posted, was perfectly timed.
According to WrestleVotes, WWE turned Stratton heel because her run as a babyface failed to make her the megastar the company envisioned. That’s an interesting assessment considering Stratton’s popularity following his main roster debut.
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The problem wasn’t necessarily that fans didn’t like him. This is because the character that made Stratton successful in NXT was never particularly likeable to begin with.
She was arrogant, entitled, glamorous and completely convinced that she was better than everyone. His attitude was as much a part of his appeal as his impressive athleticism.
Friday’s SmackDown was a reminder of how effective this character can be.
Stratton was downright obnoxious during her confrontation with Green, belittling her former friend, dropping her Crown Jewel ring on the carpet and telling her to enjoy the rest of her career in the restaurant business. She eventually used the ring to knock Green out.
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This was arguably one of Stratton’s strongest promos on the main roster, largely because she wasn’t trying to make anyone like her.
There’s also something about Stratton’s public persona that naturally lends itself to being a heel. At just 27 years old, she is already a two-time WWE Women’s Champion. She is beautiful, successful and behaves like someone who knows it.
Her relative inexperience and occasional ignorance of wrestling history also made her an easy target for criticism. Sgt. The massacre incident is a perfect example. Even Punk apparently has fun at his expense months later.
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Add to that the criticism she receives regarding her appearance and cosmetic enhancements, and Stratton already possesses several qualities that can provoke strong reactions from wrestling fans. Some of these criticisms are unfair, but that doesn’t mean his on-screen persona can’t turn public perceptions into an advantage.
Professional wrestling has always understood the value of desire. Fans don’t necessarily need an evil villain. Sometimes they just need someone whose attitude makes them want to see that person humiliated.
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Stratton fits this description remarkably well.
The irony is that WWE may have spent much of the last year trying to make Stratton more likeable when the qualities that made her interesting were already there.
Her heel turn is not a reinvention. It’s a return to the character that got him noticed in the first place.
And if Friday’s SmackDown is any indication, Tiffy Time could be getting better just as fans have more reason to hate him.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on November 14, 2026, where he first appeared in the Struggle section. Add Athlon as Favorite source by clicking here.
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