7 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (6 Dec - Results & Review)

5. Tiffy Time Takes It Home

What a weird position for Tiffany Stratton to be in on Friday.

She was a default babyface due to her Minnesota roots, and actually felt like the biggest star in the match too. To their credit, WWE didn’t try to swim against the tide. They handed her the win to advance in the tournament, which was a welcome decision. Sometimes, the most obvious result is also the most pleasing. “Tiffy” and “Tiffy Time” chants aplenty helped justify the plan.

'The Game' would’ve been listening to that backstage at Gorilla. He might see babyface potential in Stratton eventually, but the woman’s a star on the rise regardless of alignment. Her moonsault is literally perfect, and it's inevitable that she'll successfully cash in Money In The Bank to become either WWE Women's or Women's World Champ. There's no need to go bait and switch with the briefcase there.

Candice LeRae did sprint out to distract Naomi and Elektra Lopez before the finish. That's something else worth discussing. LeRae has been trying to pip Stratton to the post as Nia Jax's second in command/best friend. Outright replacing Tiffy wouldn't be the worst spot in the world for Candice. Of course, WWE may fancy sticking her with a freshly turned heel DIY instead.

Either works.

This was a bigger night for Stratton than some might think. WWE fans fully embraced her for perhaps the first time (the cheers were loud), and that support is an addictive feeling. She was the right winner. The semi final bout vs. Michin on next week's SmackDown should be tidy.