Jade Cargill walked into WWE Fastlane on October 7 and the video segment signaled that the biggest free agent signing in recent memory is here and ready to go.
The wrestling world was taken by storm last month with the announcement of former All Elite Wrestling (AEW) TBS Champion Jade Cargill’s signing with World Wrestling Entertainment. After multiple rumors and a short-lived return to action against Kris Statlander, Cargill quietly stepped out of the spotlight until the moment her decision was made public exclusively by ESPN.
In the weeks since the blockbuster news, fans have speculated scenarios in which they think the supernova could thrive. Could Jade cut her teeth in NXT? Is she going to train at the performance center for a number of months before a possible Royal Rumble debut? Will Cargill choose Raw or SmackDown if she is called to the main roster? With all of the creative possibilities flowing, there is a larger question that has risen: What rivalries will Cargill have when she arrives on WWE television?
Jade is walking into an eclectic women’s roster that is hungry, passionate, and seeking to make more history. Whoever Jade gets to face will challenge her greatly. Here are three big matches that the silver-haired goddess could have once she arrives on the WWE scene.
Tiffany Stratton
After news broke of Jade’s multi-year deal, a viral video was released on her Instagram account as she purposefully walked towards the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. It is not hard to think about the measure of talent that has stepped through those doors over the last decade. From the Becky Lynches to the Asukas. From the Carmellas to the Mercedes Mones. But in recent years, NXT has branched off into young talent from different forms of athleticism with their NIL program.
One of the brightest stars that have risen through the ranks is former NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. Armed with strength, a background in gymnastics, and an unflinching belief in herself, Stratton has developed into a talent that surpasses expectations. One only has to look as closely at her recent Extreme Rules match against Becky Lynch at NXT’s No Mercy to see that she can hold her own next to someone as accomplished as The Man.
Jade would not only challenge Tiffany’s natural athleticism, but her arrogance as well. Outside of Becky Lynch, Stratton has not faced an opponent that is parallel to her in size and confidence. In an interview WrestlingNews.co, Stratton shared her enthusiasm for Jade possibly coming to NXT: “Bring her on in. I don’t know much about her. But I’ve seen photos of her and she’s beautiful.” This battle of the goddesses would be worthy of the legendary history of NXT’s women’s division.
Charlotte Flair
During her tenure in AEW as the TBS Champion, Cargill gave X (FKA Twitter) users the opportunity to ask her ten questions while on a flight. @AnneMette6 asked Jade: “If you could defend your title against any female wrestlers outside of AEW you have never faced before, who would it be? And why?” Jade’s response was an honest one:
Jade Cargill on X: “@MsCharlotteWWE – because she can GO 💪🏾” / X (twitter.com)
The decorated Queen Flair then responded with a compliment:
Charlotte Flair on X: “@Jade_Cargill Keep killing it, queen. #undefeated” / X (twitter.com)
Of course, this exchange took place in December of last year as both women were at the top of their game in different promotions. There was no inclination that Jade would make the leap at that time due to her star rising in AEW, but it was a thought that sent the wrestling world into a frenzy! Now that Cargill is officially a part of the WWE brand, it only makes sense that the match she manifested gets to happen!
Cargill vs. Flair has the potential to main event a Wrestlemania. Two statuesque women at their best standing apart from each other in a ring is breathtaking to even imagine. Can you even fathom their entrances? The way that they would saunter in front of us to make us bask in the glory of their excellence! These women would brawl with clubbing blows, level each other with big boots, and rip each other’s limbs with technical prowess. The story writes itself as Jade seeks to prove that she is next up by beating one of the most accomplished generational talents in wrestling history. Charlotte would find motivation in beating Jade by proving her superiority over anyone who seeks to dethrone her. This feud would be star-making for Cargill.
Bianca Belair
In her NXT Takeover: Portland match against Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair made her entrance in a Macho Man-esque robe that stated five powerful words: Black History in the Making. If she were to face Jade Cargill one-on-one, they would be following that moniker in a big way.
The EST of WWE has climbed up the ranks since her main roster debut, defeating three out of the Four Horsewomen, holding an impressive 3-0 record, and being one of the first Black women to main event a Wrestlemania with Mercedes Mone’ (FKA Sasha Banks). Jade has also made her own history as the longest-reigning AEW champion, but she is looking to create more moments as she grows in her wrestling career.
Both women have so much in common with their charisma, work ethic, and desire for excellence in everything they do. They also do not mind utilizing their power to take down their opponents. With their supernova star power, this match also has the potential to main-event Wrestlemania, making history a second time. Watching these women fight at the “Showcase of the Immortals” would be a sight to behold and a point of pride for The Culture.