WWE Faces Criticism After Kiana James Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction During Live Match

WWE has faced criticism from viewers after wrestler Kiana James experienced a wardrobe malfunction during the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on Saturday.

During the event on Saturday night, February 28, James was actively competing inside the ring at the United Center in Chicago. At one point in the match, she slammed her opponent Tiffany Stratton onto the mat while the crowd watched closely.

The match quickly became more intense as additional wrestlers entered the ring. Well-known performers including Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Raquel Rodriguez soon joined the action, turning the contest into a chaotic multi-competitor battle.

Later in the match, the situation shifted when 28-year-old James was taken down by Stratton. She was wearing a small purple bralet-style top and minimal gear at the time.

The force of the move caused her top to shift out of place. The movement appeared to briefly expose part of her chest during the live broadcast.

Kiana James' outfit could not withstand the pressures of the WWE ring Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images

Wardrobe slips are not uncommon in the world of professional wrestling, especially in women’s matches where athletes wear tight and minimal outfits designed for movement.

However, what caused frustration among some viewers was how the moment was handled during the broadcast. James, whose real name is Kayla Inlay, remained on the mat for several seconds while her gear was still out of position.

According to reports from Sport Skeeda, the camera remained focused on her rather than cutting away or switching to a different shot. Some fans expected the broadcast to briefly switch to a black screen, which is sometimes used during similar situations.

PageSix reported that the moment led to backlash online, with one viewer writing on Instagram: "If I was Kiana James, I'd be so upset with WWE."

James' top appeared to shift out of place X/WWE

"They did not put up a black screen when Kiana had an unfortunate wardrobe mishap inside Elimination Chamber."

Another viewer questioned why the camera operator did not react more quickly to the situation. They commented that James appeared to be in an uncomfortable position and suggested that the camera should have cut away when the issue became visible on television.

A different fan shared their frustration on X, writing: "They always censor wardrobe issues for women—why not here? Kiana was in such an uncomfortable spot!"

Surprisingly, James was not the only wrestler to experience a wardrobe issue during the match. Some viewers said the situation created “double trouble” for WWE since two similar incidents occurred during the same event.

The second moment happened later in the match as Raquel Rodriguez prepared to execute one of the night’s biggest moves.

Rodriguez lifted her opponent Asuka before slamming her into James, who was already down on the mat, creating a dramatic double elimination moment.

As Rodriguez moved into position, her ring gear shifted during the motion. She quickly reacted by covering herself with her hands.

Many fans were quick to criticise the decision to not censor the malfunction X/WWE

Once again, some viewers noticed that the broadcast cameras did not immediately cut away from the moment.

Rodriguez remained composed despite the situation. She quickly adjusted her clothing and completed the move, slamming Asuka onto James and continuing the match.

In the end, neither James nor Stratton secured the victory in the contest. The match was eventually won by Rhea Ripley.

Ripley finished the bout by pushing Stratton from the top ropes. Stratton crashed into an empty pod face-first before Ripley delivered her finishing move, the “Riptide,” to secure the win.

James didn't end up winning the Elimination Chamber match Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images

Ripley’s victory means she will now face Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42, which is scheduled to take place in April.