The February 21 episode of WWE SmackDown wasnt just another match nightit was a carefully orchestrated chess move, and the mastermind behind it all? TJ Wilson.
Wilson, better known to fans as former WWE superstar Tyson Kidd, has become WWEs go-to producer when it comes to the womens division. His fingerprints were all over this match between Tiffany Stratton and Candice LeRae, making sure it served a bigger purposepushing Stratton forward while still reinforcing Charlotte Flairs dominance ahead of WrestleMania 41.
Stratton, who has been trying to prove herself as a dominant champion, needed this match to send a message. Wilson structured the entire bout to showcase her skills, but it didnt exactly go as planned. A wardrobe malfunction forced WWEs production team to cut to black in some regions, adding an unexpected hiccup to an already high-stakes moment. But even if that hadnt happened, the segment was always designed to end one way: with Flair standing tall.
By the time the match wrapped up, Flair was pointing at the WrestleMania sign while Stratton lay on the mata visual Wilson crafted to keep the focus on The Queens iron grip over the division. Every move, every moment was planned to ensure Flair remained the biggest threat in the womens division while still giving Stratton the rub she needed heading into the biggest match of her career.
But Wilson wasnt the only one behind the scenes. Devyn Prieto was responsible for writing the segment, making sure that the match wasnt just a random contest but another chapter in a bigger story. Prieto framed the moment as Strattons ongoing struggle to prove herself, keeping fans invested as WrestleMania 41 draws closer.
There was one unexpected changeTrish Stratus was originally listed to accompany Stratton. Its unclear why WWE scrapped the plan, but Stratus involvement could have added another layer to the story, given her history with Flair. Whether WWE has other plans for her in this feud remains to be seen, but its clear that adjustments were made before the show aired.
With Wilson pulling the strings and Prieto ensuring the story hit the right beats, WWE executed a calculated move on SmackDown. Now, the question is whether Stratton can live up to the moment, or if shes outmatched against a WrestleMania veteran like Flair.
Do you think TJ Wilsons vision set Tiffany Stratton up for success, or is this all just another way to put Charlotte Flair back on top? Sound off in the comments!
