Cora Jade had a star-making moment at NXT WarGames

NXT WarGames was a show meant to mark the transition between what was called the Black & Gold Era into the 2.0 Era. Looking at the results, which could be considered an accomplishment, but there was one moment that stood out among the rest. Cora Jade played a central part in the outcome of the Women’s WarGames match, much more so than expected. WWE was clearly looking to create a “star-making” moment with her and succeeded in doing so.

WWE is going to remind viewers time and time again that Jade is only 20-years old, but she stood out as a potential star for the future of the NXT women’s division. The stage was set when she took a dive from the top of cage through the table; a dive that from the camera angle point of view did look slightly off. Jade’s reaction along with the facial expressions of everyone in the ring and the staff on the outside created the perfect sense of alarm.

That led to Dr. Io Shirai “resetting” Jade’s shoulder and her “last stand” with a kendo stick against four women bearing down on her. It was clear that fans were behind her from that moment forward. The outcome would see Jade get the pinfall victory for her team, and this match may be the catalyst to a big run for her in the future.

It was imperative that WWE used this PPV to create fresh faces that fans will want to see. NXT 2.0’s rapid shift to younger talent hasn’t sat well with the viewing base that elevated NXT years ago. But Jade’s performance on Sunday may be a step in the right direction. WWE can’t make the same mistakes with Jade as they have had other babyfaces in the past. Keeping her booking strong, with quality and clean victories along the way is the only answer to doing so.

The WWE NXT women’s division has featured some of the best talents in the industry. Unfortunately, concerns are growing about the future of the division as talent releases continue to occur and a rumor around a mandate to hire women 25-years of age or younger. Those are all justifiable reasons to have a concern about the future of this division. If WWE is going to shake any of that, they must continue to build names like Jade and others sooner, rather than later.

With just two years of in-ring experience, Jade represents everything that WWE is attempting to do with NXT 2.0. Her career has seen her perform in companies like GCW, Warrior Wrestling, and even in AEW. But on Sunday she experienced what may be the career-changing opening for a big future in professional wrestling. If WWE Creative can stay the course, NXT WarGames will be seen as a star-making moment for Cora Jade.