The semifinals are set for the tournament to crown the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Championship winner, as Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi and Elektra Lopez on tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown to earn the final missing spot.
The win came about after Naomi had Lopez down for the count—even despite a distraction through interference by Candice LeRae—but Stratton was able to toss Naomi out of the ring, capitalize, hit her Prettiest Moonsault Ever, and pin Lopez for the win.
It should be noted that SmackDown is emanating tonight from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is the hometown of Ms. Money in the Bank. Whether or not that was factored into the decision to have her advance in the tournament is unknown, but it wouldn’t be surprising if WWE planned that ahead of time.
✨ IT'S TIFFY TIME! ✨@tiffstrattonwwe advances in the Women's United States Championship Tournament! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/KW8btV3e9s
— WWE (@WWE) December 7, 2024
Due to this victory, Stratton will face Michin in the semifinals on next week’s SmackDown, with the winner facing either Bayley or Chelsea Green in the finals at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14th.
Here is the updated bracket:
