Nia Jax Eats A Brutal Chair Shot & Gets Bloody On WWE Smackdown

This match was full of intense physicality and one of the most dramatic visuals of the year. It ended with Jax’s face covered in blood and Stratton narrowly escaping with her title intact.

The match continued the long-running rivalry between Stratton and Jax, dating back to Stratton’s Money in the Bank cash-in on January 3, 2025, when she dethroned Jax to begin her reign as champion. On Friday night, Jax was the first woman to kick out of the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and appeared to be on the verge of reclaiming her title. Former champion Naomi stormed down the ramp mid-match, apparently targeting Stratton, only to be intercepted by Jade Cargill. As the two battled out of the picture, Jax came within inches of a win when she fell on Stratton in the corner and got a nearfall before Stratton barely grabbed the bottom rope.

Jax couldn't believe Stratton escaped the pin, so she tried to leave with the title, despite not winning it. When she returned to the ring and the official was distracted, she tried to bring in a chair. That's when Stratton dropkicked it, causing the chair to hit Jax in the face. The camera barely caught one of the match’s most shocking moments as Jax sustained a severe cut to her head, resulting in a graphic scene that WWE seemingly tried to cut away from. The announce crew didn't acknowledge it, but it was clear the cut was deep.

Stratton Retains Her Women's Championship

Stratton’s victory means her rivalry with Jax is likely over, but respect should go to Jax, who was not only a fantastic opponent but also took the chair shot like a pro despite it not being intentional. She did not blade as wrestlers might typically do to get the blood to flow. This wasn't a planned part of the bout, but it certainly added to it.

As Nia Jax recovers from a hard-fought loss and Naomi and Cargill continue to circle the title picture, all eyes remain on Stratton and what's next.