During the September 26 episode of WWE SmackDown, Jade Cargill participated in a highly criticized Women’s Championship main event that highlighted ongoing Jade Cargill WWE issues. WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, stepping in as commentator after Brock Lesnar‘s previous attack on Cody Graves, openly discussed Cargill’s performance and linked her struggles in WWE to her experience in AEW. He pointed out multiple problems in the match that contributed to a disappointing outcome.
Booker T Connects Jade Cargill’s WWE Challenges to AEW Experience
Booker T, a former WWE World Champion, shared his frank perspective on the highly anticipated championship match, which featured Jade Cargill and Nia Jax challenging Tiffany Stratton for the Women’s title. The bout was marred by numerous errors, leaving fans frustrated and leading some to call it the worst match in the company for 2025. On the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T attributed much of the confusion during the match to a lack of cohesion among the competitors and Jade Cargill’s limited growth during her tenure 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
Booker T highlighted the tension arising from several differing experience levels in the ring: Tiffany Stratton as an emerging ‘NIL talent’, Jade Cargill as a relatively fresh competitor from AEW, and Nia Jax as an established veteran trying to take control. This dynamic, combined with what he described as limited in-ring development during Jade Cargill’s AEW run, contributed to the confusion that affected the match’s execution.
The Botched Finish Overshadows Match Quality
Booker T further emphasized that the most memorable part of the match would unfortunately be the flawed conclusion, rather than any notable wrestling moments. He explained that for any bout, the story and flow must build to a clean finish that leaves a lasting impression, which was lacking in this case.
“One thing about matches like that – the only thing they’re gonna remember is the finish. You’ve gotta get everybody to that point to where that finish can happen and it goes off without a hitch. And that didn’t happen, that didn’t happen in this match. They went out there and it wasn’t a good night. It wasn’t a good night at all.” – Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
The ending was widely panned by viewers and critics alike, including WWE referee Daphanie LaShaunn, who later commented on the poor timing and coordination during the match’s closing moments. These issues further amplified the negative reception surrounding the event.
Aftermath and Broader Implications for WWE Talent Development
The criticism around Jade Cargill and the match underscores ongoing challenges WWE faces in developing their Women’s Division while integrating new talents who come from other organizations like AEW. Booker T’s insights point to a disconnect between prior experience and WWE’s expectations for in-ring performance and communication under pressure. This particular match will likely be a case study in the importance of harmonizing wrestlers’ varied backgrounds to ensure smoother storytelling and execution.
As WWE moves forward, addressing these Jade Cargill WWE issues may involve providing more in-ring opportunities and developmental guidance for wrestlers transitioning from other promotions. The goal will be to avoid similar miscommunications and botched finishes in future high-profile matches, maintaining a strong product that satisfies fans and honors the legacy of the Women’s Championship.
Context Within WWE’s Recent Struggles and Industry Commentary
Booker T’s remarks come at a time when WWE is facing significant criticism about its creative direction and booking decisions in 2025. Veteran voices within the wrestling community and media personalities like Dave Meltzer have described recent matches as among the poorest performances in company history, which impacts WWE’s business and fan perception.
Meanwhile, other news continues to swirl around the company with stories of retirements, Hall of Fame speculation involving the McMahon family, and discussions about key wrestlers’ final opponents. All these factors contribute to a climate where every match and talent performance is heavily scrutinized, putting additional pressure on stars like Jade Cargill to meet high expectations.
How WWE manages Jade Cargill’s progression and resolves the highlighted issues in her match could be influential in shaping both her career trajectory and the broader Women’s Division’s reputation during this challenging period.
