WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley has expressed strong concerns regarding how Jade Cargill’s rise within WWE unfolded, asserting that the company hurried her transition too rapidly. Speaking on the DukeLovesRassling podcast on March 7, 2026, Dudley pinpointed WWE’s decision to skip the usual developmental route through NXT as a critical error in her progression.
Dudley indicated that bypassing NXT denied Cargill an essential phase of training before entering WWE’s primary roster. He believes that this accelerated path could be undermining her overall wrestling skills and leaving room for avoidable struggles at the highest level of the sport.
Insights on WWE’s Developmental System and Cargill’s Background
During the podcast, Dudley emphasized the importance of the developmental system in shaping WWE talent’s in-ring capabilities. He remarked,
“She had never been in NXT, and that was a mistake. Maybe she should have gone to NXT first. If she had gotten that training before going to the main roster, we probably wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”
This statement highlights his belief that foundational wrestling development remains crucial despite a performer’s external appeal.
Dudley also acknowledged WWE’s motivation behind promoting Cargill so swiftly. Given her striking physical presence and exceptional look, it is understandable why the company wanted to capitalize on her marketability. However, he insists that physical attributes alone do not justify shortcutting the established growth path.
Further pointing to Cargill’s career in AEW before joining WWE, Dudley suggested additional training time might have been beneficial. He said,
“I understand that she has the look and the physique, but bringing her straight from AEW to the main roster was not the right move. If you look at her time in AEW, there’s a good chance she really needed that time in NXT. It wouldn’t have hurt her to spend some time there, get proper training, and then move up to the main roster.”
Challenges of Reverting Developmental Decisions Post-Promotion
Dudley explained that once a wrestler is solidly placed on WWE’s main roster, sending them back to developmental to sharpen skills becomes a complicated decision. He pointed out that Cargill’s unique look may have pressured WWE to prioritize appearance over performance readiness, which resulted in missing crucial developmental steps.
He stated,
“She’s a really nice person outside the ring, but it feels like they brought her up mainly because of the look she has. If you want someone to become a star, you can’t just bring them up because they look the part. You have to make sure they can perform the part before putting them on the main roster. That’s what’s missing. And now it’s kind of backwards, because once someone is already on the main roster, it’s harder to send them back to NXT.”
Ongoing Debates Surrounding Jade Cargill’s Role and WWE’s Strategy
Jade Cargill’s rapid ascent has drawn significant attention following her public interactions with fellow WWE star Rhea Ripley and reports of backstage tension related to her booking. These developments have intensified discussions among wrestling veterans and fans alike about the wisdom of her accelerated promotion.
As WWE grapples with feedback from industry figures like D-Von Dudley, questions remain about whether the company will maintain its current course with Cargill or adjust their approach to her training and exposure moving forward. The situation underscores the delicate balance between showcasing physical talent and ensuring performers are fully prepared for the demands of WWE’s spotlight.
