Jade Cargill, currently the WWE Women’s Champion, made a notable appearance at a high-profile film premiere in New York City, creating buzz amid questions about her WWE status. Despite holding the title, Cargill’s presence on WWE programming has been minimal, with no title defenses since winning the championship from Tiffany Stratton at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLI last November.
Cargill attended the premiere of The Rip, a new movie directed by Joe Carnahan and featuring stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who are longtime collaborators and friends. The film is set to debut on Netflix in mid-January, and Cargill’s attendance highlighted her visibility outside the wrestling world.
@WWESuperstar @Jade_Cargill pulled up to the premiere of The Rip in New York City 💰Starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Dropping January 16 only on Netflix,” captioned Netflix Sports on X.
.@WWE Superstar @Jade_Cargill pulled up to the premiere of The Rip in New York City 💰 Starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Dropping January 16 only on Netflix pic.twitter.com/z8wf3RhHoQ— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) January 14, 2026
Limited WWE Activity and Absence of Title Defenses Raise Questions
Although Jade Cargill carries the prominent title of WWE Women’s Champion, her on-screen role has been subdued compared to other WWE stars featured on Friday Night SmackDown. Since claiming the championship, Cargill has not engaged in a significant feud or defended her title, a rarity in WWE’s competitive environment.
This relative inactivity has prompted discussions regarding her in-ring development and WWE’s plans for her character. After losing to Tiffany Stratton multiple times in mid-2025, Cargill took a short break before returning with a stronger heel persona, which culminated in her capturing the Women’s Championship.
Potential Rivalries and Future Challenges for Cargill Ahead of WrestleMania
Cargill’s future in WWE could involve fresh rivalries as the promotion gears up for WrestleMania 42. Chelsea Green recently expressed interest in challenging the champion, though WWE seems focused on pairing Cargill with Jordynne Grace, a new addition from NXT who has quickly earned respect for her athleticism and prior accomplishments as a former TNA Knockouts World Champion.
This match-up has been hinted at as a high-profile event slated for the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where WrestleMania 42 will take place. Such a showdown could serve to test Cargill’s standing as a dominant force within WWE’s women’s division.
Jade Cargill’s ability to deliver compelling storylines and prove her worth in the ring will be closely watched as the promotion prepares for one of its biggest annual events.
Cargill’s Legacy and Impact on Women’s Wrestling
Despite critiques regarding her progress inside the squared circle, Jade Cargill holds a significant place in wrestling history. She was the first woman to set a record for a long championship reign in All Elite Wrestling, holding the AEW TBS Championship for an unprecedented 508 days before making her transition to WWE.
Her background as “The Storm” adds to the anticipation surrounding her WWE journey, and many fans are eager to see if her talent and presence will soon be matched with more prominent and frequent storylines in WWE’s main roster.
.@WWE Superstar @Jade_Cargill pulled up to the premiere of The Rip in New York City 💰
Starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Dropping January 16 only on Netflix pic.twitter.com/z8wf3RhHoQ
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) January 14, 2026
