Tiffany Stratton Explained

Tiffany Stratton
Birth Name:Jessica Woynilko[1]
Alma Mater:St. Catherine University
Names:Tiffany Stratton[2]
Height:5 ft 7 in
Weight:143lb[3]
Birth Date:1 May 1999
Birth Place:Prior Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
Billed:Prior Lake, Minnesota
Debut:November 16, 2021
Partner:Ludwig Kaiser (2022–present)

Jessica Woynilko (born May 1, 1999) is an American professional wrestler and former gymnast., she is signed to WWE, where she performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Tiffany Stratton. She is the current Women's Money in the Bank winner and is a former one-time NXT Women's Champion.

After winning weightlifting and bodybuilding championships, Woynilko's parents wanted her to become a professional wrestler and had her trained by Greg Gagne. She signed with WWE in August 2021 and debuted in November, taking on a gimmick of a glamorous woman. While in the developmental brand NXT, she won the NXT Women's Championship once. She was then promoted to the main roster on SmackDown in early 2024. She currently holds the Money In The Bank Contract since July 6, 2024.

Early years

Jessica Woynilko was born on May 1, 1999.[4] She graduated from St. Catherine University. She practiced trampoline gymnastics for several years.[4] Before trying out with WWE, Woynilko's mother contacted Greg Gagne, a former wrestler best known for his time at American Wrestling Association (AWA), to train Woynilko.

Professional wrestling career

WWE (2021–present)

NXT (2021–2024)

On August 30, 2021, Woynilko was the only woman announced in a new group of recruits who would be training at the WWE Performance Center.[5] [6] During a taping of the November 16 episode of 205 Live, she made her professional wrestling debut under the ring name Tiffany Stratton, defeating Amari Miller.[7] [8]

She debuted on WWE's developmental brand, NXT as a heel, taking on a spoiled rich girl gimmick, where on December 28, 2021, she would defeat Fallon Henley. She would start a feud with Sarray which would cost each other victories thus giving a match between them. The feud would culminate on the April 19, 2022, episode of NXT, where Stratton was victorious, thus ending the feud.[9] On May 26, Stratton was part of the NXT Women's Breakout Tournament, replacing Nikkita Lyons after she suffered an injury, defeating Fallon Henley in the semifinals. However, she was defeated in the finals by Roxanne Perez.[10] Stratton then started a feud with Wendy Choo, defeating her at NXT: The Great American Bash but lost to her in a lights out match on the August 23 episode of NXT.

After a time out of action due to a head injury reported in October 2022,[11] [12] Stratton made her return on January 10, 2023, at NXT: New Year's Evil, where she cut a promo showing an affirmative attitude to her rich girl persona, though she dropped the 'daddy's girl' part of her gimmick.[13] In her first match back, she picked up a victory over Indi Hartwell on the January 24 episode of NXT.[14] After defeating Hartwell again,[15] Stratton qualified for a ladder match for the NXT Women's Championship, which took place at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 1, although she was unsuccessful in capturing the title.[16] In May, Stratton took part in an eight-woman single-elimination tournament, in which she defeated Gigi Dolin in the quarterfinals,[17] Roxanne Perez in the semi-finals,[18] and Lyra Valkyria in the finals at NXT Battleground to win the NXT Women's Championship, marking her first title in her career.[19] On June 27, at the second week of NXT: Gold Rush, Stratton successfully defended her title in her first title defense against Chase University's Thea Hail.[20] [21] During the match, Hail submitted Stratton, however, the referee was distracted by Drew Gulak, before Stratton ultimately won the match.[21] This led to a rermatch on July 30 at NXT The Great American Bash in a submission match, where Stratton once again retained her title after Andre Chase threw in the towel when Stratton locked Hail in a submission. On the September 12 episode of NXT, Stratton lost the title to Becky Lynch, ending her reign at 107 days.[22]

At NXT: New Year's Evil on January 2, 2024, Stratton faced Fallon Henley in a "ranch hand or servant for a day" match. Stratton lost the match, thus had to work on Henley's ranch for a day during the following week.[23] This would mark Stratton's final NXT appearance. On January 27 at Royal Rumble, she entered the women's Royal Rumble match at number 29 as one of two representatives from NXT. She eliminated fellow NXT representative Roxanne Perez before being eliminated alongside Bianca Belair by the eventual winner Bayley.[24]

SmackDown (2024–present)

On the February 2, 2024 episode of SmackDown, Stratton officially signed with the brand to become a member of the main roster.[25] That same night, Stratton defeated The O.C.'s Michin in her main roster debut. Two weeks later, Stratton defeated Latino World Order's Zelina Vega to qualify for the women's Elimination Chamber match at .[26] At the event, Stratton received loud support from the Australian crowd, and her elimination at the hands of Liv Morgan lead to heavy boos from the audience. The crowd also chanted her catchphrase 'Tiffy Time' during the men's chamber match later in the show. Despite not winning the match, Stratton's performance garnered acclaim from fans on social media.[27] On the April 19 episode of Smackdown, Stratton interfered in the WWE Women's Championship match between Bayley and Naomi causing a disqualification.[28] This led to a triple threat match for the title at Backlash France where Bayley retained.[29] [30] Stratton entered the Queen of the Ring tournament, defeating Michin in the first round but lost to Bianca Belair in the quarterfinals.[31] Shortly after, she formed an alliance with the Queen of the Ring winner Nia Jax. On the June 28 episode of SmackDown, Stratton defeated Jade Cargill and Candice LeRae in a triple threat match to qualify for the women's Money in the Bank ladder match, where she grabbed the Money in the Bank briefcase at the titular event on July 6.[32] [33]

Professional wrestling style and persona

With her trampoline gymnastics background, Woynilko uses a variation of the triple jump moonsault using the ropes, called the "Prettiest Moonsault Ever", as her finishing maneuver.[34] Woynilko has said that the move is based on Christopher Daniels’ Best Moonsault Ever.[35]

Woynilko's wrestling persona is inspired by Paris Hilton and the character of Sharpay Evans from the movie High School Musical.[36] [37]

Media

Video games

YearTitleRoleNotes
2023WWE SuperCardTiffany Stratton
2023WWE 2K23Tiffany StrattonPretty Sweet Pack DLC[38]
2024WWE 2K24Tiffany Stratton

Personal life

Woynilko cites Charlotte Flair as the one who inspired her to become a professional wrestler.[39] Woynilko has been in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Marcel Barthel, better known as Ludwig Kaiser, since 2022.[40]

Championships and accomplishments

Gymnastics

Event Date Location Place and Sport
2016 Winter Classic February 20, 2016 2nd-DM[41] (Open)
2016 Elite Challenge May 7, 2016 4th-TR[42] (Open); 5th-DM[43]
2016 USA Gymnastics Championships June 12, 2016 7th-TR (Open); 3rd-DM[44]
2017 Winter Classic February 25, 2017 Battle Creek, Michigan 7th-DM[45]
2017 Elite Challenge May 20, 2017 Colorado Springs, Colorado 7th-TR[46] (Open)

Professional wrestling

Notes and References

  1. Web site: American professional wrestler Tiffany Stratton biography. sportskeeda. 2023-03-07.
  2. Web site: 2023-03-07. Tiffany Stratton. WWE.
  3. Web site: 2024-03-29. Tiffany Stratton. Cagematch.
  4. Web site: Jessica Woynilko. 23 February 2023. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20221204061102/https://usagym.org/pages/athletes/athleteListDetail.html?id=397981. December 4, 2022. live.
  5. Web site: Second-generation hopefuls among new WWE Performance Center recruits. 30 August 2021. 23 February 2023. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20221206000030/https://www.wwe.com/article/bobby-steveson-joseph-fatu-wwe-performance-center-class-august-2021. December 6, 2022. live.
  6. Web site: Bobby Steveson, Sefa Fatu, Four Others Announced as New WWE Performance Center Recruits. Lambert. Jeremy. Fightful. August 30, 2021. September 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220907153200/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bobby-steveson-sefa-fatu-four-others-announced-new-wwe-performance-center-recruits. September 7, 2022. live.
  7. Web site: WWE 205 Live #256 Taping. 16 November 2021. 23 February 2023. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20220803032528/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/205-live-256-taping-39105.html. 3 August 2022. live.
  8. Web site: WWE 205 Live results: Nov. 19, 2021. November 19, 2021. February 23, 2023. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20220127134419/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/article/wwe-205-live-results-nov-19-2021. January 27, 2022. live.
  9. Web site: 4/19 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Santos Escobar vs. Carmelo Hayes, Tiffany Stratton vs. Sarray, Natalya vs. Tatum Paxley, Grayson Waller vs. Sanga, NXT Tag Champions Pretty Deadly appear. Moore. John. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. April 19, 2022. April 20, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220420182310/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/19/4-19-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-santos-escobar-vs-carmelo-hayes-tiffany-stratton-vs-sarray-natalya-vs-tatum-paxley-grayson-waller-vs-sanga-nxt-tag-champions-pretty-deadly-ap/. April 20, 2022. live.
  10. Web site: 6/7 NXT 2.0 results: Moore's review of Roxanne Perez vs. Tiffany Stratton in the NXT Breakout Tournament final, Josh Briggs vs. Von Wagner, Tatum Paxley vs. Alba Fyre, fallout from NXT In Your House. Moore. John. June 7, 2022. ProWrestling.net. June 8, 2022. June 8, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220608023815/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/07/6-7-nxt-2-0-results-moores-review-of-roxanne-perez-vs-tiffany-stratton-in-the-nxt-breakout-tournament-final-josh-briggs-vs-von-wagner-tatum-paxley-vs-alba-fyre-fallout-from-nxt/. live.
  11. Web site: TIFFANY STRATTON OUT OF ACTION WITH HEAD INJURY. November 14, 2022. February 23, 2023. Amit. Shukla. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20221221130031/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2022/10/14/tiffany-stratton-out-of-action-with-head-injury/. December 21, 2022. live.
  12. Web site: Report: Tiffany Stratton Sidelined With Head Injury. 17 November 2022. 23 February 2023. Lewis. Howse. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20221017183831/https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-tiffany-stratton-sidelined-with-head-injury. 17 October 2022. live.
  13. Web site: TIFFANY STRATTON RETURNS WITH NEW GIMMICK DURING NXT NEW YEAR'S EVIL. January 10, 2023. February 23, 2023. Manik . Aftab . en. https://web.archive.org/web/20230111022309/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2023/01/10/tiffany-stratton-returns-with-new-gimmick-during-nxt-new-years-evil/. January 11, 2023 . live.
  14. Web site: Moore. John. 1/24 NXT TV results: Moore's review of the NXT Women's Championship Summit with Roxanne Perez, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter vs. Alba Fyre in a handicap match for the NXT Women's Tag Team Titles, Tiffany Stratton vs. Indi Hartwell, Elektra Lopez vs. Wendy Choo, Thea Hail award ceremony. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. January 24, 2023. January 24, 2023.
  15. Web site: Moore. John. 3/21 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh, Tiffany Stratton vs. Indi Hartwell and Lyra Valkyria vs. Ivy Nile in NXT Women's Championship ladder match qualifiers, Chase U and The Schism meet in a debate. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. March 21, 2023. March 21, 2023.
  16. Web site: Chiari . Mike . Indi Hartwell Wins NXT Women's Title vs. Roxanne Perez, More at Stand & Deliver . 2023-05-12 . Bleacher Report . en.
  17. Web site: Tiffany Stratton And Lyra Valkyria Advance In NXT Women's Title Tournament On 5/9 WWE NXT . 2023-05-12 . Yahoo Entertainment . 10 May 2023 . en-US.
  18. Web site: Jay . Ella . Lyra Valkyria And Tiffany Stratton Advance To WWE NXT Women's Title Tournament Final . 2023-05-23 . Wrestlinginc.com . 23 May 2023 . en-US.
  19. Web site: Moore . John . May 28, 2023 . NXT Battleground results: Moore's live review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship, Tiffany Stratton vs. Lyra Valkyria for the vacant NXT Women's Title, Gallus vs. The Creeds for the NXT Tag Team Titles, Wes Lee vs. Tyler Bate vs. Joe Gacy in a Triple Threat for the NXT North American Title, Noam Dar vs. Dragon Lee for the NXT Heritage Cup . May 28, 2023 . Prowrestling.net.
  20. Web site: Berge . Kevin . WWE NXT Gold Rush Week 2 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights . 2023-06-28 . Bleacher Report . en.
  21. Web site: Moore. John. 6/27 NXT TV results: Moore's review of Gold Rush night two featuring Carmelo Hayes vs. Baron Corbin for the NXT Title, Tiffany Stratton vs. Thea Hail for the NXT Women's Title, Nathan Frazer vs. Dragon Lee for the NXT Heritage Cup. June 27, 2023. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. June 27, 2023.
  22. Web site: Moore. John. NXT Great American Bash results: Moore's live review of Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Title, Dominik Mysterio vs. Wes Lee vs. Mustafa Ali for the NA Title, Tiffany Stratton vs. Thea Hail in a submission match for the NXT Women's Title.. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. July 30, 2023. July 30, 2023.
  23. Web site: Applegate . Colby . 2024-01-03 . Tiffany Stratton Must Be Fallon Henley's Ranch Hand Following NXT New Year's Evil . 2024-01-10 . Wrestlezone . en-US.
  24. Web site: Royal Rumble Match stats 2024 WWE . 2024-02-03 . www.wwe.com.
  25. Web site: Lambert . Jeremy . February 2, 2024 . Tiffany Stratton Joins WWE SmackDown Fightful News . February 3, 2024 . Fightful . en.
  26. Web site: Miller . Haley . February 16, 2024 . Tiffany Stratton Qualifies for the Women's Elimination Chamber on WWE SmackDown . February 17, 2024 . ComicBook . en.
  27. Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax for the Women's World Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Grayson Waller Effect with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. February 24, 2024. February 24, 2024.
  28. Web site: SmackDown results: April 19, 2024 WWE . 2024-05-04 . www.wwe.com.
  29. Web site: Complete Backlash France results WWE . 2024-05-04 . www.wwe.com.
  30. Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Backlash France results: Powell’s live review of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso for the World Hvt. Title, Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Title. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. May 4, 2024. May 4, 2024.
  31. Web site: Lambert . Jeremy . May 11, 2024 . Tiffany Stratton Advances To Quarterfinals In Queen Of The Ring Tournament Fightful News . May 18, 2024 . Fightful .
  32. Web site: Powell . Jason . June 28, 2024 . WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (6/28): Barnett's review of The Bloodline's Acknowledgement Ceremony, three Money in the Bank ladder match qualifiers . June 29, 2024 . Pro Wrestling Dot Net .
  33. Web site: Casey . Connor . July 7, 2024 . 2024 WWE Money in the Bank results, recap, grades: CM Punk thwarts McIntyre again, Solo Sikoa pins Cody Rhodes . July 7, 2024 . .
  34. Web site: Tiffany Stratton Would Like To Add A Twist To Her 'Prettiest Moonsault Ever'. Fightful. Jeremy. Lambert. May 9, 2023. June 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230517065427/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tiffany-stratton-would-add-twist-her-prettiest-moonsault-ever. May 17, 2023. live.
  35. Web site: Badrose . 2024-05-05 . Tiffany Stratton Talks Prettiest Moonsault Ever, Queen of the Ring . 2024-05-20 . Wrestling Attitude . en-US.
  36. Under The Ring: NXT's Tiffany Stratton on her fast rise in pro wrestling, the NXT women's championship, how she went from elite gymnast to pro wrestler. May 22, 2023. June 24, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230607183418/https://omny.fm/shows/under-the-ring/under-the-ring-nxts-tiffany-stratton-on-her-fast-r. June 7, 2023.
  37. Web site: Russell . Skylar . Tiffany Stratton Says She Draws Inspiration For Her Character From Sharpay Evans & Paris Hilton . Fightful . June 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230524194237/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tiffany-stratton-says-she-draws-inspiration-her-character-sharpay-evans-paris-hilton . May 24, 2023 . May 24, 2023.
  38. Web site: Lara . James . 6 March 2023 . WWE 2K23 Season Pass, DLC Wrestlers and Release Dates Revealed . March 8, 2023 . Mp1st.com.
  39. Web site: Tiffany Stratton Shares Her Dream Match, Details How Charlotte Flair Inspired Her. Fightful. Gisberto. Guzzo. June 10, 2023. June 16, 2023.
  40. Web site: Fishman . Scott . 2023-07-21 . WWE Star Tiffany Stratton on Becoming a 'Total Diva,' Hollywood Dreams & Taking No Prisoners . 2024-02-03 . TV Insider . en-US.
  41. Web site: 2016 Winter Classic Invitational Event Results – Double Mini . . June 24, 2023 . 3 . February 20, 2016.
  42. Web site: 2016 USA Gym Elite Challenge Finals Event Results – Multi – Tramp . . June 24, 2023 . 6 . May 7, 2016.
  43. Web site: 2016 USA Gym Elite Challenge Finals Event Results – Multi – D-Mini . . June 24, 2023 . 7 . May 7, 2016.
  44. Web site: USA Gymnastics Championships Results . . June 24, 2023 . June 12, 2016 . 3. Jessica Woynilko, Prior Lake, Minn., 131.400.
  45. Web site: 2017 Winter Classic Finals Event Results – Multi – D-Mini . . June 24, 2023 . 1 . February 25, 2017.
  46. Web site: 2017 Elite Challenge – Finals Event Results – Multi – Tramp . . June 24, 2023 . 8 . May 20, 2017.
  47. Web site: Full 2023 PWI Women's 250 list revealed. aiptcomics.com. Patrick. Ross. October 19, 2023. October 19, 2023.
  48. Web site: 2023 Year End Women’s Wrestling Fan Awards – The Winners!!. Diva Dirt. Nick. Wilkinson. December 27, 2023. August 4, 2023.
  49. Web site: Applegate . Colby . December 26, 2023 . 2023 WWE NXT Year End Award Winners Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231227035336/https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1431882-2023-wwe-nxt-year-end-award-winners-revealed . December 27, 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Wrestlezone . en-US.