Nia Jax criticized for dangerous SmackDown move during a recent triple-threat match, as wrestling figure Jim Cornette raised concerns about her intentions after a risky incident involving Jade Cargill and Naomi on the May 30 episode of WWE SmackDown. The heated discussion comes amid ongoing scrutiny over Jax’s in-ring safety, sparking debate among fans and industry insiders alike.
Spotlight on the Controversial Incident Involving Jax, Cargill, and Naomi
On the May 30 edition of WWE SmackDown, a pivotal moment unfolded during a triple-threat match featuring Nia Jax, Jade Cargill, and Naomi. The moment drew immediate attention when, after stacking Naomi atop Cargill in the ring, Jax ascended the ropes to deliver her signature Annihilator move, also referred to as the Banzai Drop. With Naomi slipping free just before the impact, Jax’s full weight crashed directly onto Cargill’s upper body.
The manner in which Jax executed this move raised eyebrows, with visible concern that she did not absorb any of the impact on her feet—a standard safety technique to protect fellow wrestlers. Instead, Jax extended her legs straight out, increasing the severity of the landing on Cargill. This execution sparked comparisons to former WWE star Yokozuna’s notorious style, particularly from matches with less prominent opponents, rather than the careful approach taken with high-profile talent in the past.
Jim Cornette Calls Out Jax’s Motive and Risky Execution
Jim Cornette, widely regarded as a wrestling veteran and analyst, reacted on his podcast, Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru, expressing surprise that Cargill was not injured during the risky move. Cornette questioned Jax’s motivation and approach, speculating on possible reasons for such a high-risk execution:
“There is two reasons I can think of why you would Banzai Drop somebody in that fashion: you don’t give a fuck or you don’t like them. And ‘don’t give a fuck’ is usually reserved for, ‘Well, he’s a job guy, we’ll never see him again; don’t give a fuck, I gotta get over.’
And ‘don’t like somebody’ is, ‘Well, I’m going to show this fucking…’”
—Jim Cornette, Wrestling Veteran
The podcast discussion echoed widespread frustration and anxiety within the wrestling fan community, especially as Jax’s move appeared particularly reckless, putting Cargill at unnecessary risk. The parallel to Yokozuna underscored the potential consequences of disregarding established safety precautions in the ring.
Past Tension and Backstage Rumors Fuel Further Speculation
Although there have been no confirmed reports of animosity between Nia Jax and Jade Cargill following this match, rumors of backstage issues emerged earlier in the year. In March, sources alluded to friction between Cargill and recently departed WWE star Shayna Baszler. Cargill allegedly received criticism for her attitude, with claims that she placed blame on others for mistakes made during matches, leading to at least one confrontation with Baszler.
Adding to the rumors, Chelsea Green and Liv Morgan publicly made remarks about Cargill on social media, though it remained unclear if these actions were part of storyline developments or actual expressions of tension among WWE stars. Such speculation added an anxious undertone for those following WWE SmackDown closely, particularly as industry insiders and fans continued to monitor the dynamics among the women’s roster.
Nia Jax’s History and Reputation for Unsafe Moves
This incident is not the first time Jax has come under fire for her in-ring conduct. Throughout her wrestling career, she has been connected to multiple high-profile accidents, with some observers labeling her as an unsafe worker. One of the most notable occurrences took place in 2018, when Jax inadvertently injured Becky Lynch with a misplaced punch, resulting in a broken nose and a concussion for Lynch.
In an earlier match on May 9, Jax again defeated Cargill using the Annihilator. WWE’s YouTube footage from that encounter showed a slightly different approach, as Jax first landed on her feet before extending her legs for heightened visual impact, suggesting variations in her move execution between matches.
Some within the industry have suggested that these moments may not always stem from malice or disregard but instead from errors or lapses in judgment during high-stakes competition. Nevertheless, public concern remains high, as repeated missteps raise ongoing doubts about safety and responsibility in the ring.
Defenses of Jax and the Ongoing Safety Debate
The scrutiny surrounding Jax’s style did not go unnoticed by her colleagues. In 2023, Asuka publicly defended Jax amid mounting criticism, pledging her support with a passionate message on social media:
“I will fight the society for her,”
—Asuka, WWE Star
“If I am criticized for it, I don’t care.”
—Asuka, WWE Star
This direct defense from Asuka illustrated both the controversy and the loyalty that Jax inspires within certain circles. As the latest incident continues to generate debate, it signifies the broader struggle between securing in-ring excitement and prioritizing performer safety within WWE SmackDown and professional wrestling as a whole.
Questions about accountability, trust among talent, and the influence of past backstage disputes are likely to persist, keeping Nia Jax criticized for dangerous SmackDown move at the center of wrestling discussions for the immediate future.
