WWE Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Comments On Awkward SmackDown Finish

As our own Jon Alba pointed out on social media, the exchange took place after Stratton drop kicked Jade Cargill out of the ring as she was attempting a cover. However, she did not nail Jade until after Jax had already kicked out at two.

Stratton then covered Nia without hitting any additional offense and that appears to be the origin of the confusion. The correct finish may have seen Tiffany steal the win from Cargill, but she was late with the drop kick and Jax potentially saved an unplanned title change by kicking out.

In the past, referees were trained to treat all counts as 'shoots', but that has not been the case for some time, according to a post SmackDown note from Fightful Select. It's entirely possible that LaShaunn thought Tiffany's traditional finish was still to come in the match, given the circumstances of the situation.

Daphanie LaShaunn appreciates the support she's received since Friday

Daphanie has now taken to Instagram to issue a public statement, promising to be better without directly addressing the finish on Friday.

“I see all the love. I’m just human, but I can promise that I strive to always be better. Which will forever be my goal as long as I’m on this journey. I love this just like y’all. That I can swear to you.”

Stratton went on to win the match a few moments later by hitting Jax with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. She's now moving on to face Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at WWE Crown Jewel next month in Australia.

The main event also generated headlines after Jade Cargill was busted open pretty badly when she was tossed into the steel ring steps. She suffered a deep gash right through her left eye brow. She later shared post match photos, which you can check out by clicking the link above.