The gray area of Tony Khan and AEW ‘missing’ on Jade Cargill

AEW “missed” on Jade Cargill, and that’s because the company continues to miss on the star power of the women’s division. 

Jade Cargill has been one of the hottest topics in professional wrestling since her debut two years ago. This weekend reminded everyone that she’s an attraction as rumors swirled about her status with AEW and the potential move to WWE. Since then, her profile is no longer on AEW’s website and multiple outlets reported she is in Orlando, Florida to report to the WWE Performance Center. But there’s another conversation going on as well. Did AEW “miss” on utilizing Cargill as a major focus for the brand? As with many questions, the answer isn’t as clear as one would think.

Obviously, the first fact that someone will point to is Cargill’s 508-day run as AEW TBS Champion. She picked up that belt on January 5, 2022, and would hold it until May 28, 2023 – when she was defeated by Kris Statlander after defeating Taya Valkyrie moments earlier. She was a dominating force in the women’s division, picking up wins over the likes of Billie Starkz, Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale, Ruby Soho, ATHENA, Anna Jay, Tay Conti, and plenty of others.

For a while, the undefeated streak was the story behind Cargill’s ascension. As she dominated opponent after opponent, the narrative built around who would be the woman to defeat her. Along the way, there were some “minor” parts to the story. Stokely Hathaway’s addition and bringing in Leila Gray. Red Velvet and Kiara Hogan leaving The Baddies and having their own feuds with Cargill. Nyla Rose stealing the TBS Championship. Valkyrie being “banned” from using the move that she and Cargill equipped to finish off their foes.

There were some “stories” within Cargill’s reign, but none of them felt very worthwhile or long-term. Hathaway was randomly removed from the stable. When The Baddies split, the story behind the “why” wasn’t given the time or explanation. Toward the end of her run as champion, it was clear that Tony Khan was waiting on Kris Statlander to return from injury so she could be the one to defeat Cargill. As rumors grew and outlets reported that development, Cargill’s booking on television was less substantial. Yes, she was getting victories, but they didn’t have any true substance behind them beyond what could be considered short stories when fans wanted novels.

It’s that lack of investment that makes some voice their displeasure with her booking in AEW. Think about the impact Cargill could have played if she was involved in the Outcasts versus AEW Originals angle. She embodies everything that would make an individual an “original” of All Elite Wrestling and involving her there would have been a great opportunity to push her toward a babyface run. Having Cargill stand beside the likes of Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, and Jamie Hayter while mixing things up with Saraya, Toni Storm, and Soho would immediately elevate not only her but the belt she was holding at that time.

Unfortunately, this is a continued trend with the AEW women’s division. The investment just isn’t there. That lack of time and development impacts the entire division, and even with some of the stacked performers on this roster – the group struggles to gain momentum because Khan hasn’t given it the investment that the men’s division (at least some parts of it) sees each week. Cargill’s presence wasn’t enough to change that.

So, in answering the question of whether AEW “missed” on Jade Cargill, one could say “yes” or “no.” But it’s the sad fact that the entire women’s division is being missed on and that won’t change until actions change at the top of the company.