Jade Cargill, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion on SmackDown, is still awaiting her first title defense more than two months after capturing the championship. This upcoming Royal Rumble event marks a pivotal moment for Cargill as she prepares to potentially defend her belt for the first time since winning it.
Her journey with WWE is notable, having officially joined the company at the 2024 Royal Rumble on January 27th, where she entered the Women’s Royal Rumble match at number 28. Cargill made an immediate impact with several high-profile eliminations, signaling her arrival as a major competitor within the organization.
From High-Profile Alliance to Intense Rivalry
Following her WWE debut, Cargill allied herself with Bianca Belair and Naomi, forming a trio often referred to as the Big Three. Their partnership endured for several months before tensions surfaced, leading to Naomi’s unexpected betrayal. This dramatic turn saw Naomi ambush Cargill, leaving her incapacitated on top of a car, a moment that ignited an intense storyline.
The rivalry between Cargill and Naomi has featured multiple confrontations, with Naomi eventually claiming the Women’s Championship title on RAW while Cargill retained her championship on SmackDown. This ongoing feud has been a focal point of both women’s WWE narratives.
Cargill’s Rise to Championship Status and Future Challenges
Despite only being with WWE for two years, Jade Cargill has quickly ascended to prominence. She notably made a strong impression at WrestleMania and defeated Tiffany Stratton last year to become the WWE Women’s Champion. Now, she enters WrestleMania once again holding the title, signaling continued confidence in her as a leading figure on the roster.
With her powerful presence and look favored by WWE’s creative team, Cargill has been pushed aggressively since her debut. However, fan connection has grown more recently, enhancing her appeal. Looking ahead, Jordynne Grace is positioned as Cargill’s likely challenger ahead of the Royal Rumble, though it remains unclear whether Cargill will defend her championship during the event or wait for the match outcome to set her next opponent.
We were on our feet when @Jade_Cargill made her in-ring debut at the 2024 Royal Rumble! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/9hxnLdHqDP
— USA Network (@USANetwork) January 22, 2025
