Booker T, a WWE Hall of Famer, openly criticized Jade Cargill’s tenure in AEW while discussing her recent appearance in a Triple Threat match on WWE SmackDown. The bout, held recently, featured Tiffany Stratton defending her Women’s Championship against Nia Jax and Cargill. Booker T’s remarks were made during his Hall of Fame podcast, where he expressed disappointment in the match’s finish and questioned the growth Jade Cargill experienced during her AEW run.
Details of the Controversial Triple Threat Match on SmackDown
The match saw Tiffany Stratton retain her Women’s title in a contest against former WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and Jade Cargill, who recently transitioned from AEW to WWE. The end of the match faced scrutiny due to a botched sequence where Nia Jax appeared not to lift her shoulder during a pin, confusing viewers and drawing widespread criticism. The botched finish contributed to strong boos from fans throughout the remainder of the encounter. Despite the mistake, Stratton successfully pinned Jax and kept her championship.
Booker T Calls Out the Botched Ending and Miscommunication
Booker T addressed the match directly, highlighting the visible miscommunication among the wrestlers and condemning the botched finish as unacceptable for live television. He commented on the dynamics among the competitors, noting the mix of experience levels in the ring. Observing Tiffany Stratton as an NIL athlete and Jade Cargill’s fresh AEW background, Booker T suggested that Cargill had limited opportunities to develop her in-ring skills during her time in AEW.
“You could tell there was a lot of miscommunication. You’ve got an NIL talent, Tiffany Stratton. You’ve got Jade Cargill who’s pretty much fresh off her AEW run, and just think about that time in AEW for her, she probably didn’t learn a whole lot, because – no disrespect or anything – but she was just put on a wing and she never really got a chance to really wrestle anybody. And then you’ve got Nia Jax, who’s been there, of course is gonna feel like, ‘I need to quarterback this thing, I feel like I know more than these girls.'” – Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
He implied that Nia Jax, as the most experienced competitor, attempted to control the match, which may have contributed to the confusion and mistakes during the finish.
Understanding the Implications of Jade Cargill’s AEW Experience
Booker T’s criticism sparks a broader discussion about Jade Cargill’s development in AEW and her transition to WWE. Unlike many wrestlers who hone their abilities through diverse matches, Cargill’s AEW tenure reportedly limited her opportunities to wrestle a variety of opponents. Such constraints may have impacted her in-ring readiness and ability to respond fluidly, leading to visible errors in high-profile WWE matches. Tony Khan’s AEW has promoted Cargill as a dominant competitor, yet Booker’s comments suggest her practical experience in live situations was insufficient.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects in WWE
The reaction from viewers clearly demonstrated frustration over the sloppy finish involving Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton. Fans booed heavily following the error but remained engaged as Stratton secured the win. The match, marred by this moment, raises questions about WWE’s booking decisions and how Jade Cargill’s integration into WWE programming will progress.
Given Booker T’s candid remarks, there is growing scrutiny regarding how Jade Cargill will adapt and improve within WWE’s environment. Her ability to learn from these early setbacks is critical as she aims to build a strong legacy in WWE’s women’s division. Wrestling journalist Abhilash Mendhe notes the intense pressure on new talents to deliver flawless performances in live broadcasts, underscoring the need for continual growth and in-ring versatility.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Jade Cargill and WWE’s Women’s Division
Jade Cargill’s journey from AEW to WWE is under close examination, as expectations for her evolution remain high. Booker T’s pointed criticism serves as a reminder that success in professional wrestling requires not only physical prowess but also adaptability and experience in live scenarios. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how WWE positions Cargill moving forward and whether she can address concerns regarding her match consistency.
This situation also highlights WWE’s ongoing challenges with match quality and storytelling, especially in the women’s division, where emerging stars like Tiffany Stratton are gaining prominence while veterans like Nia Jax continue to compete. The coming months could prove pivotal for Cargill’s career trajectory and the overall reception of WWE’s women’s programming under Tony Khan’s expanding wrestling landscape.
