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Reigning WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is under fire after she made a comment that some fans believe was racially motivated in response to fans heckling her at a recent show. Stratton, 26, was previously the subject of scrutiny for a social media post with alleged racially insensitive tones.
The latest incident appears to have occurred at a June 20 episode of “WWE SmackDown” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stratton walked up the entrance ramp after a segment involving herself and fellow wrestlers Nia Jax and Naomi.
Peep this Tiffany Stratton fan interaction 👀 pic.twitter.com/RnNGuVUpgJ
— Covalent TV (@TheCovalentTV) June 29, 2025
While she was walking to the backstage area, one fan yelled, “You’re keeping it warm for Naomi,” in regards to Stratton’s championship. “Keep it warm, keep it warm, keep it warm!” he continued to yell.
Stratton then walked over to the fan, who is black, and responded, “Watch your mouth, boy!”
Several fans quickly suggested that the use of the word “boy” directed toward black fans could be perceived as having racial undertones.
“Sound(s) like a woman in Mississippi in 1952,” one fan wrote.
Now, it’s entirely possible to give Stratton the benefit of the doubt. She may well have used that wording toward any fan. But her past doesn’t do her any favors.
Stratton previously shared a video on social media of her striking opponent Jade Cargill, who is black, during a match involving the two. The video contained a voice over of someone saying the words “black b—-” as Stratton landed the strike.
“It was an honest mistake. I didn’t hear the audio,” Stratton said of the post via Fightful. “I had it up for maybe 20 seconds, and I deleted it instantly as soon as I heard the audio. It was an honest mistake.”
Again, that’s entirely plausible. It may even be likely. But at some point, Stratton loses the benefit of the doubt.