Fans waiting for “Tiffy Time” to kick off 2026 are going to have to hang tight a little longer. Tiffany Stratton has been noticeably missing from WWE television in recent weeks, and new reports indicate her absence isn’t storyline-related after all.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Stratton is currently sidelined with a legitimate injury. While specifics about the nature or severity of the injury haven’t been made public, her most recent televised match featured a knee injury angle against Jade Cargill. That storyline is now believed to be rooted in real-life issues, suggesting WWE creatively leaned into an existing problem rather than inventing one.

Earlier speculation had pointed in a different direction. A previous report from PWMania claimed Stratton’s time off could have been a deliberate creative move. Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been known to temporarily pull talent from TV to allow fan demand to build, often leading to louder reactions and renewed momentum upon their return. It’s a tactic that has worked well for several top stars over the years.

However, the confirmation of an actual injury reframes that narrative. Stratton had been heavily featured throughout 2025 and was one of the most consistently protected names on the women’s roster. At just 25 years old, she’s already held championship gold and delivered multiple standout performances, firmly establishing herself as a centerpiece of WWE’s women’s division.

There’s currently no word on when Stratton might be cleared to return, but expectations are that her comeback will be met with a strong crowd response whenever it happens. WWE often uses time away to reset characters or adjust creative plans, and Stratton could easily benefit from either approach once she’s healthy.

For now, fans will have to wait — but when Tiffany Stratton does make her return, it’s likely to be a big moment.