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Jade Cargill
Jade Cargill
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Jade Cargill (born June 3, 1992) is an American professional wrestler. As of September 2023, she is signed to WWE, where she performs on the SmackDown brand and is the incumbent Queen of the Ring. She is a former two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion. She is also known for her career in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2020 to 2023, where she was the inaugural AEW TBS Champion.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Cargill was born in Gifford, Florida.[13][14] She is of Jamaican descent and her father was a first generation immigrant from Jamaica.[15][7] She began playing basketball at the age of six.[13] She attended Sebastian River High School, Florida Air Academy, and Vero Beach High School, helping her teams to two basketball district championships.[16] In 2009, Cargill played Amateur Athletic Union basketball for the Orlando Comets.[17]

Cargill attended Jacksonville University, where she played basketball for the Jacksonville Dolphins as a forward/guard.[3][17] In her sophomore year, she was named Atlantic Sun Player of the Week.[18] In her senior year, she led the Jacksonville Dolphins in rebounds and steals,[3] and was named to the Atlantic Sun Preseason First Team.[17] While at Jacksonville University, Cargill joined the Omicron Delta chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.[19] After graduating from Jacksonville University with a social science degree, Cargill spent time in France, where she played basketball and modelled.[13][20] Cargill later attained a master's degree in child psychology[21] and worked with foster children as a child psychologist until 2019.[22]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Training (2018–2023)

[edit]

Interested in becoming a professional wrestler, Cargill was introduced to WWE veteran Mark Henry by a mutual friend.[13][2] Taking advice from Henry, who she described as her "mentor", in 2018 Cargill attended the Face 2 Face professional wrestling school in Morrow, Georgia owned by Heath Slater, Ron Simmons, and Teddy Long.[2][8][9][23] In April 2019, Cargill attended a WWE tryout at the WWE Performance Center.[3][24] Subsequently, Cargill began training at AR Fox's WWA4 Academy.[6] She then trained at Nightmare Factory under Q. T. Marshall and Dustin Rhodes. Sonjay Dutt and Bryan Danielson started coaching her when they arrived in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021, at the request of AEW founder and owner Tony Khan.[8][9][10] After signing with WWE in 2023, she received training from their Performance Center.[22]

All Elite Wrestling (2020–2023)

[edit]

Cargill made her professional wrestling debut with AEW on the November 11, 2020, episode of Dynamite, interrupting Cody Rhodes, and teasing the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal.[25] The next day, Tony Khan announced that Cargill had signed a multi-year contract with AEW.[26] She began feuding with Rhodes and his wife Brandi,[27] leading to a tag team match pitting her and O'Neal against Rhodes and Red Velvet on the March 3, 2021, episode of Dynamite; the match was won by Cargill and O'Neal.[12] On the March 17 episode of Dynamite, Cargill wrestled her first singles match, defeating Dani Jordyn.[28] Despite Matt Hardy offering his managerial services to Cargill, he was shunned in favor of Mark Sterling, which was announced on the May 28 episode of Dynamite.[29]

Cargill as AEW TBS Champion; she held the championship for 508 days

In October 2021, it was announced that Cargill would participate in a tournament to determine the inaugural AEW TBS Champion, and would be one of four women to receive a first round bye.[30] Cargill went on to defeat Red Velvet in the quarterfinals on November 24[31] and Thunder Rosa in the semifinals on December 29.[32] On January 5, 2022, she defeated Ruby Soho in the tournament final to become the TBS Champion.[33] Cargill was named "Rookie of the Year" for 2021 by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated[34] and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.[35] In mid-April 2022, she formed her own stable called the Baddies, which consisted of her, Kiera Hogan and Red Velvet.[36] At Double or Nothing, Stokely Hathaway became her new manager, replacing Sterling.[37] In June 2022, Leila Grey became part of the Baddies, replacing an injured Red Velvet.[38] Around the same time, Cargill began feuding with the debuting Athena.[39][40][41] At All Out, Cargill squashed Athena in a match that lasted less than five minutes.[42][43] After defeating other challengers such as Madison Rayne[44] and Diamante,[45] Cargill began a feud with Nyla Rose, who stole her TBS Championship belt.[46][47][48] The feud between the two culminated at Full Gear, where Cargill defeated Rose to retain her title.[49] On January 5, 2023, Cargill reached the one-year mark as TBS Champion.[50] The following week, she became the longest-reigning champion in AEW's history at 373 days, surpassing Hikaru Shida's 372-day reign as AEW Women's World Champion.[51] She would hold this accolade until August 2025, where she was surprassed by Kazuchika Okada's 509-day reign as AEW Continental Champion.[52]

Cargill's reign as TBS Champion lasted until Double or Nothing in May 2023.[53] At the event, Cargill made her entrance as her line sisters from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority performed a dance routine to "Pretty Girls Walk" by Big Boss Vette.[19] Cargill defeated Taya Valkyrie in a scheduled title defense, before she lost the title in an open challenge to the returning Kris Statlander in less than 50 seconds, ending both her reign (at 508 days) and her 60-match unbeaten streak.[53] After a hiatus of several months, Cargill returned on the September 9 episode of Collision, attacking Statlander.[54] On the September 15 episode of Rampage, Cargill lost to Statlander in a title rematch,[55] which marked Cargill's final match in AEW.[56][57] Cargill's 508-day TBS Championship reign remained as the longest reign for the title until October 17, 2025, when Mercedes Moné broke the record.[58]

WWE (2023–present)

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Cargill at the 2024 Royal Rumble

Following Cargill's departure from AEW, she reported to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida in September 2023.[11] Later that month, WWE announced that Cargill had signed a multi-year contract and had begun training at the Performance Center.[59] She was WWE's first signing under TKO Group Holdings.[60] Cargill made her first appearance on WWE programming during the Fastlane pre-show on October 7, where she was shown arriving at the arena and was met by WWE chief content officer Triple H.[61] She subsequently made brief appearances on Raw, NXT, and SmackDown, teasing which brand she would join.[62]

In January 2024, Cargill made her in-ring debut for WWE at the Royal Rumble, competing in the women's Royal Rumble match. She entered the match at number 28, eliminating Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, and Naomi before being eliminated by the number 30 entrant, Liv Morgan.[63] Cargill was subsequently assigned to the SmackDown brand.[64] She made her debut on the March 29 episode of SmackDown, saving Naomi and Bianca Belair from an attack by Damage CTRL.[65] At WrestleMania XL, Cargill, Naomi and Belair defeated Damage CTRL in a six-woman tag team match when Cargill pinned Dakota Kai.[66] At Backlash France, Cargill and Belair defeated the Kabuki Warriors to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.[67] Cargill then participated in the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament; she defeated Piper Niven in the first round[68] but was eliminated after losing to Nia Jax in the quarterfinals by disqualification.[69] At King and Queen of the Ring, Cargill and Belair successfully defended their titles against Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell.[70] At Clash at the Castle: Scotland, Cargill and Belair lost the titles to the Unholy Union in a triple threat match;[71] they regained the titles at Bash in Berlin.[72] They then retained at Crown Jewel.[73] In November, Cargill was written off television after she was mysteriously attacked backstage, removing her from the WarGames match at Survivor Series: WarGames.[74][75] Naomi replaced her as the one-half of tag team champions in December.[76]

In March 2025, Cargill returned at Elimination Chamber, attacking Naomi before the women's Elimination Chamber match officially started and caused Naomi to be eliminated.[77] On the following episode of SmackDown, Naomi revealed herself as the person that attacked Cargill.[78] On the April 4 episode, following another brawl, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis scheduled a match between them at WrestleMania 41,[79] the first non-title women's singles match at WrestleMania since 2006 and the first without a stipulation.[80] Cargill won the match at night one of the event.[81] In June, Cargill entered the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament.[82][83] She won the tournament by defeating Asuka in the finals at Night of Champions, earning a WWE Women's Championship match at SummerSlam.[84] On the following episode of SmackDown, Cargill was attacked by Naomi during a backstage segment, leading to a no holds barred match at Evolution[85] which Cargill won, thus ending their feud.[86] Cargill failed to win the WWE Women's Championship from Tiffany Stratton on Night 1 of SummerSlam.[87] On the October 24 episode of SmackDown, Cargill appeared to save Stratton from an attack by Giulia and Kiana James, but then attacked Stratton, and turned heel.[88]

Professional wrestling style and persona

[edit]

Cargill wrestles in a powerhouse style.[citation needed] Her signature moves include a bicycle kick and a chickenwing facebuster which she calls Jaded.[2][89] While in AEW, she was nicknamed That Bitch.[19]

Cargill has credited female wrestler Chyna and X-Men character Storm as her inspirations.[16][10] She has also cited Jacqueline Moore and Jazz as being among her favorite wrestlers.[90]

Other media

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
TBA True Threat Meeka Acting debut [91]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2021 Rhodes to the Top Herself
2024 Celebrity Family Feud Herself Episode: "Men of WWE vs. Women of WWE"

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Notes Ref.
2023 AEW Fight Forever Video game debut [92]
2024 WWE 2K24 Global Superstars Pack DLC [93]
2025 WWE 2K25 [94]

Personal life

[edit]

Cargill met her partner, former Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, in 2015; the couple have a daughter together.[13][95][96][97] In March 2023, Cargill and Phillips were announced as owners of the Texas Smoke, the fourth franchise of Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF), based in Austin, Texas.[97][98][better source needed][99] Cargill's cousin Peter Cargill played for the Jamaica national football team in the 1980s and 1990s.[2] Cargill's mother died in December 2023 due to cancer.[100]

Basketball career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game
 TO  Turnovers per game  FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 Bold  Career best ° League leader

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2010–11 Jacksonville 27 0 11.5 36.2 36.2 57.9 2.7 0.1 0.8 0.2 0.6 2.9
2011–12 Jacksonville 31 27 23.7 38.9 38.9 72.3 8.3 0.5 1.8 0.2 1.5 9.8
2012–13 Jacksonville 29 27 26.8 38.1 38.3 72.0 7.8 1.4 1.7 0.7 2.0 9.8
2013–14 Jacksonville 30 5 20.8 42.0 42.2 64.3 6.4 0.7 1.1 0.0 1.6 8.0
Career 117 59 20.9 39.1 39.3 69.0 6.4 0.7 1.4 0.3 1.4 7.7
Statistics retrieved from Sports Reference.[101]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jade Cargill is an American professional wrestler, fitness model, and former player, best known for her dominant presence in as the current WWE Women's Champion on the SmackDown brand. Born on June 3, 1992, in , Cargill initially pursued athletics in , playing as a forward for from 2010 to 2014, where she started in 26 of 28 games during the 2012-13 season and led the team in rebounds with 227. Signed with (AEW) in 2020, making her television debut on the November 11, 2020, episode of and her in-ring debut in a high-profile mixed match in March 2021, she quickly rose to prominence as the inaugural AEW TBS Champion, defeating Ruby Soho in January 2022 at the in . Cargill maintained an undefeated streak of 60-0 in AEW, holding the TBS Championship for a record 508 days until her title loss to in May 2023, establishing her as one of the promotion's most formidable competitors during her tenure from 2020 to 2023. In September 2023, she signed with , making her in-ring debut at the , where she eliminated three competitors, including , before her own elimination by . Since joining SmackDown under general manager , Cargill has achieved major accolades, including winning the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament, capturing the with at Backlash France in 2024, and defeating on November 1, 2025, at to become the Women's Champion. Beyond wrestling, Cargill is a co-owner of the Athletes Unlimited professional team Smoke alongside her husband, former MLB player , and has appeared in media projects such as the film and episodes of and . Her athletic background, imposing physique, and powerhouse style have positioned her as a key figure in , with her WWE arrival announcement garnering over 20 million views.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Jade Cargill was born on June 3, 1992, in , a small community in Indian River County. She was raised by her father, Ricky Cargill, a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, and her mother, Debra Green, who instilled in her a strong connection to her roots from an early age. Cargill's Jamaican heritage has profoundly shaped her , with her father emphasizing family traditions, resilience, and pride in their ancestry. This background influenced her worldview, as she has frequently celebrated Jamaican customs, including cuisine and communal values, which contributed to her sense of self during childhood. From around the age of six, Cargill developed an early passion for , sparked by her family's athletic environment—her brother pursued football while her sister was involved in —which encouraged her competitive spirit and physical activity. She attended multiple high schools in , including Sebastian River High School, Florida Air Academy, and , where she continued to hone her interests amid these familial influences. In December 2023, Cargill suffered a significant personal loss when her mother, Debra Green, passed away after a battle with cancer, an event that deeply affected her emotionally. Cargill publicly shared her grief through a touching , expressing thankfulness for the years they shared and the strength her mother exemplified, which reinforced the enduring impact of family on her life.

Academic pursuits and early professions

Cargill attended Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, where she pursued higher education while participating in collegiate athletics. She earned a bachelor's degree in social science from the institution, completing her undergraduate studies around 2014. Following her bachelor's, Cargill continued her academic pursuits by obtaining a master's degree in child psychology from Capella University in 2017. This advanced degree aligned with her interest in mental health and child development, reflecting a deliberate career path in helping young individuals. Upon completing her education, Cargill fulfilled her early professional commitment by working as a child psychologist, specializing in support for foster children, a role she maintained until 2019. In a personal reflection, she described becoming a child psychologist at age 24 as a lifelong goal she enjoyed before transitioning to new opportunities. Alongside this primary role, she began exploring modeling and fitness as side pursuits, including time spent in where she modeled with an emphasis on sports and fitness imagery. These early endeavors highlighted her physical presence and laid groundwork for her later entry into entertainment.

Basketball career

College playing statistics

Jade Cargill played for the Dolphins women's team from 2010 to 2014, primarily as a forward. She evolved from a reserve player in her freshman year to a starter and key contributor in rebounding during her later seasons, helping anchor the frontcourt for a program competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Cargill's statistical progression is summarized in the following table of per-game averages:
SeasonGames (Starts)MinutesPointsReboundsAssistsStealsBlocksFG%FT%
2010–11 (Freshman)27 (0)11.52.92.70.10.80.2.362.579
2011–12 (Sophomore)31 (27)23.79.88.30.51.80.2.389.723
2012–13 (Junior)29 (27)26.89.87.81.41.70.7.381.720
2013–14 (Senior)30 (5)20.88.06.40.71.10.0.420.643
Career117 (59)20.87.76.40.71.30.3.391.692
In her sophomore and junior years, Cargill established herself as a strong rebounder, peaking at 8.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore while providing consistent scoring around 10 points. During the 2012–13 season, she led the team in total rebounds (227) and steals (48), recording six double-doubles that highlighted her versatility in the paint and on defense. As a senior, despite fewer starts, she remained a reliable presence with efficient shooting (42.0% from the field) and contributed to the Dolphins' 10–8 conference record. Over her four seasons, Cargill amassed 906 points and 748 rebounds, underscoring her growth into a foundational frontcourt player for Jacksonville.

Post-college involvement

Following her graduation from in 2014, Cargill pursued a professional basketball career in , joining the French professional league where she continued to leverage her athletic skills as a forward. This stint abroad allowed her to maintain her competitive edge in the sport while also exploring modeling opportunities, marking an extension of her collegiate foundation into international play.

Professional wrestling career

Training and early matches (2018–2020)

Cargill's entry into professional wrestling began in 2018, when a friend introduced her to WWE Hall of Famer , who recognized her athletic potential and became her primary mentor. Henry arranged for her initial training at the Face 2 Face Wrestling School in , a facility co-owned by , , and Teddy Long, where she focused on fundamental techniques and in-ring conditioning. She shared early training clips on that year, showcasing her progress in basic maneuvers and physical drills. In 2019, Cargill expanded her regimen by attending a tryout at the in , organized by Henry, which evaluated her raw athleticism despite her limited experience. Following this, she trained at the Nightmare Factory in under QT Marshall and , emphasizing match psychology and endurance, while also receiving guidance from veteran in , who tested her resilience through rigorous sessions. These experiences built on her background as a fitness model, where she had already cultivated a powerful physique through with coach Todd Moyer at , integrating high-intensity workouts like and to enhance her explosive power for wrestling demands. Throughout 2019 and into 2020, Cargill's preparation avoided the traditional , as she prioritized structured schooling over untelevised matches, honing her skills in controlled environments to transition her modeling-honed discipline into wrestling-specific agility and presence. This phase culminated in her first televised exposure on the November 11, 2020, episode of , where she delivered a commanding promo interruption, setting the stage for her undefeated streak that would follow in subsequent appearances. Her psychology degree from earlier pursuits aided this mental preparation, providing tools for character focus amid the physical intensity.

All Elite Wrestling tenure (2020–2023)

Jade Cargill signed a multi-year contract with (AEW) in , making her in-ring debut on the November 11, , episode of , where she teamed with to defeat and Red Velvet in a mixed match, teasing further involvement from the NBA Hall of Famer. Her early appearances positioned her as a dominant force, leveraging her athletic background to establish an undefeated streak that spanned 60 matches, including victories over prominent competitors like Red Velvet, , and Ruby Soho during the inaugural TBS Championship tournament. On January 5, 2022, Cargill captured the newly introduced AEW TBS Championship by defeating Ruby Soho in the tournament finals on Dynamite, becoming the inaugural titleholder and solidifying her status as AEW's top female powerhouse. She held the championship for a record 508 days, making 26 successful defenses against challengers such as Diamante, Leila Grey, and Taya Valkyrie, while her streak remained intact until its end. Key feuds during this period included rivalries with rising stars like Soho and Valkyrie, as well as group conflicts involving her stable, the Baddies, against teams led by figures such as Athena, enhancing her portrayal as an unbeatable storm. Cargill aligned with manager "Smart" Mark Sterling in early 2021, who provided legalistic promos and interference to bolster her dominance, a partnership credited to AEW executive Cody Rhodes. This evolved into the formation of the Baddies faction in 2022, initially featuring Kiera Hogan and Red Velvet, with Leila Grey joining later as an enforcer and interim member during Velvet's injury absence, allowing Cargill to expand her influence beyond solo competition. Her reign concluded on May 28, 2023, at , when returned from injury to defeat her in an impromptu match following a title defense against , snapping the 60-0 streak and ending the historic title run. Cargill made sporadic appearances afterward, including aiding Statlander against attackers in , but reports emerged of her impending departure from AEW later that month, with her contract expiring and a move to anticipated.

WWE transition and tag team success (2023–2025)

In September 2023, Jade Cargill signed a multi-year contract with following her departure from , marking a significant transition in her professional wrestling career. The deal, announced on September 26, positioned her as a high-profile acquisition amid 's ongoing talent recruitment efforts under the banner. Cargill's undefeated streak in AEW influenced her initial booking, emphasizing her as an imposing athletic force ready to dominate the women's division. Cargill made her in-ring WWE debut on January 27, 2024, during the women's , entering at number 28 and quickly establishing her presence by eliminating , , and Naomi before her own elimination by . This performance, lasting 11 minutes and 3 seconds, showcased her power and athleticism, drawing widespread acclaim for solidifying her as a top contender. Following the event, she aligned with on the SmackDown brand, forming a powerhouse partnership built on their shared physical dominance and chemistry. The duo's collaboration peaked with their capture of the on May 4, 2024, at Backlash France, where they defeated (Asuka and ) in a hard-fought match. This victory marked Cargill's first title and highlighted their synergy, with Belair's technical prowess complementing Cargill's raw strength. They defended the belts successfully multiple times, including against Meta-Four (Jakara Jackson and ) in a brief but decisive encounter. On August 31, 2024, at Bash in , Belair and Cargill won the titles for a second time by defeating The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and ), extending their reign and elevating the division's profile through high-energy defenses against teams like . Their second reign faced interruption on November 22, 2024, when was storyline-attacked backstage on SmackDown, resulting in a scripted of multiple injuries including deep paraspinal muscle contusions and a sprained MCL. This led to her hiatus, with Belair defending the titles alongside interim partner Naomi until the championships were lost in late 2024. returned on March 1, 2025, at : , ambushing Naomi and preventing her participation in the women's match, signaling a shift in her dynamic with former allies. By October 2025, underwent a pivotal heel turn on the October 24 episode of SmackDown, initially aiding against Giulia and before betraying Stratton with a vicious post-match . This swerve, rooted in Cargill's frustration with her constraints, positioned her for individual title pursuits and marked the end of her primary phase with Belair.

WWE singles dominance (2025–present)

In mid-2025, Jade Cargill transitioned from her successful tag team run with to a prominent singles push, positioning her as a top contender in 's women's division. This shift emphasized her individual athletic prowess and commanding presence, setting the stage for her breakout achievements later in the year. Cargill's singles dominance began to crystallize with her victory in the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament, where she advanced through a bracket featuring notable competitors including in the semifinals. She clinched the crown by defeating Asuka in the finals at on June 28, 2025, earning the title of Queen of the Ring and a guaranteed championship opportunity. This win solidified her status as an unstoppable force, highlighted by her resilience against Asuka's technical strikes and submission holds. Building on this momentum, Cargill adopted a persona in late October 2025, turning on during a match on SmackDown by delivering a vicious post-match attack that targeted Stratton's . This betrayal marked her evolution into a ruthless, arrogant antagonist, drawing on her history of dominant performances to intimidate the roster. The angle escalated quickly, leading to a high-stakes match at XLI on November 1, 2025, where Cargill decisively defeated the champion in a match lasting under ten minutes. By capitalizing on Stratton's injured with power moves like the Jaded, Cargill captured her first , extending her unbeaten streak in singles competition. Cargill made her first public address as champion on the November 7, 2025, episode of SmackDown, entering to a hostile crowd and issuing a stern warning to the women's division. In a concise promo, she declared herself "that b****" and put the entire roster on notice, emphasizing her intent to crush any challengers while briefly confronting an 18-time champion in a tense staredown that hinted at future rivalries. The segment underscored her persona's cocky edge, as she discarded the without further engagement, leaving the arena buzzing with speculation. On November 14, 2025, Cargill defeated in a dominant non-title match on SmackDown, after which she disrespected Michin, further fueling her storyline and teasing potential challengers. On December 5, 2025, Cargill secured another non-title victory over Alba Fyre on SmackDown. As of January 10, 2026, Cargill's storylines continue to revolve around her self-proclaimed supremacy, with her title reign at 70 days without a successful defense and undefeated in singles matches since her Queen of the Ring triumph. Her dominant style positions her for a prolonged, impactful run at the top of the division. In early January 2026, following 's main roster debut on the January 9 episode of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, where Cargill confronted Grace in the entranceway after Grace's victory over Alba Fyre, asserting her dominance as WWE Women's Champion by declaring "I'm that bitch" and warning that SmackDown is her show, fans criticized Cargill for her lack of title defenses during her championship reign and demanded a match between the two. Cargill responded to Grace on social media with the comment, "You left your glutes at home though 💅🏾," which prompted accusations of body shaming from some fans. In reply to one such accusation using the hashtag #stopbodyshaming, Cargill stated, "Oh shut up. It’s always something with y’all." This interaction became a trending topic on social media, generating 23 posts and 698 total engagements.

In-ring style and persona

Wrestling techniques

Jade Cargill employs a powerhouse wrestling style characterized by her explosive strength and agility, drawing from her background as a player at , where she honed footwork and quick directional changes that enhance her in-ring execution. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds (73 kg), Cargill leverages her physical stature for dominant power-based offense, including lifts, slams, and strikes that overpower opponents. Her athleticism allows for fluid transitions between grounded grapples and explosive bursts, making her matches a blend of raw power and surprising speed. Cargill's signature moves include the , a high-impact striking maneuver delivered with a leaping double-footed strike to the opponent's chest or head, often used to stun foes mid-match. Another key signature is the chickenwing facebuster, where she secures an opponent's arm in a chickenwing hold before driving their face into the mat with forceful momentum. Her primary finishing move, Jaded, is an elevated double chickenwing transitioned into a wheelbarrow , showcasing her ability to manipulate and slam larger competitors with precision and impact. This move evolved during her undefeated streak in , becoming a reliable closer in high-stakes bouts. In addition to her core arsenal, Cargill incorporates elements of high athleticism, such as delayed vertical suplexes and running powerslams, which highlight her core strength and balance derived from training. These techniques emphasize control and spectacle, allowing her to dominate through a combination of intimidation and technical flair without relying on excessive high-flying risks.

Character development

Jade Cargill's character development in began in (AEW), where she debuted in 2021 with a persona heavily inspired by the character , emphasizing elemental power and an aura of invincibility. Managed by , who handled her on-screen business affairs and reinforced her dominant image, Cargill was positioned as an unbeatable force, drawing from her athletic background to project an otherworldly strength that captivated audiences early in her career. This initial portrayal established her as a phenom unafraid to assert supremacy, blending physical intimidation with a sleek, futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of heroism. Central to her AEW tenure was the adoption of the nickname "That Bitch," a bold self-descriptor that encapsulated her confident, unapologetic and became a rallying cry in her promos. This moniker represented an amplified version of Cargill's real personality—less restrained and more aggressively dominant—allowing her to embody traits of arrogance and superiority while maintaining her real name to blur the lines between performer and character. The heel alignment amplified her natural charisma, turning potential vulnerabilities into weapons of , and solidified her as a villainous powerhouse who demanded respect through sheer presence. Upon transitioning to WWE in 2023, Cargill shifted to a babyface role, adapting her imposing stature to a heroic as part of a high-profile with . This partnership highlighted themes of unity and empowerment, with Cargill portraying a supportive yet formidable ally in their pursuit of the , which they captured and defended successfully until early 2025. The face turn softened her edges, focusing on camaraderie and resilience, and allowed her to connect with fans through relatable narratives of overcoming challenges alongside a fellow trailblazer. Cargill's evolution took a dramatic turn in mid-2025 when she won the Queen of the Ring tournament by defeating Asuka in the finals at Night of Champions, earning a title opportunity that she parlayed into a shocking transformation. Post-victory, she attacked then-champion , injuring her and declaring her intent to dominate unapologetically, a move that tied directly into her subsequent reign and revived the edgy, authoritative traits from her AEW days. This shift marked a pivotal maturation, repositioning her from team player to solo antagonist driven by ambition. Throughout her career, Cargill has cultivated a public image as a "superhero" athlete, leveraging her sculpted physique and 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) frame, and commanding charisma to embody an idealized vision of strength and poise that resonates deeply with fans. This persona, often compared to comic book icons for its visual impact and inspirational quality, has boosted her reception by inspiring younger audiences, particularly women and girls of color, to see wrestling as a platform for empowerment and physical excellence. Her superhero-like allure has transcended the ring, enhancing merchandise sales and social media engagement while solidifying her status as a cultural force in sports entertainment.

Reception

Jade Cargill's in-ring work, perceived lack of title defenses, and booking have drawn mixed fan reactions. Discussions on Reddit (such as r/SquaredCircle and r/WWE) and X (formerly Twitter) have included criticisms of her wrestling technique, complaints about infrequent title defenses—particularly during her WWE Women's Championship reign, where she went nearly three months without a televised defense—and broader concerns over her creative direction and booking. Some fans attribute portions of the negativity to racism or misogyny directed against Black women wrestlers, while others regard the criticisms as valid assessments of her performances and storylines. Cargill has publicly addressed and dismissed such detractors, stating she does not mind the criticism and continues to perform, including responses where she declared she did not care about fan anger ("IDGAF") regarding backlash over her title defense schedule.

Championships and accomplishments

Major titles won

Cargill captured her first major title, the AEW TBS Championship, on January 5, 2022, by defeating Ruby Soho in the tournament final at Battle of the Belts: Battle for Texas, marking the inaugural reign for the title. Her 508-day reign, ending on May 28, 2023, when she lost to Kris Statlander at Double or Nothing, remains the longest in AEW history until surpassed by Mercedes Moné on October 17, 2025, and solidified her as a dominant force in the women's division during her undefeated streak. Throughout the reign, Cargill made 25 successful defenses, showcasing her power-based style against diverse challengers; notable matches included victories over Thunder Rosa at Double or Nothing 2022, where she retained via pinfall after a Jaded, and against Willow Nightingale at Battle of the Belts III in a hard-fought bout that highlighted Cargill's athleticism. In WWE, Cargill achieved tag team success alongside Bianca Belair, winning the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship for the first time on May 4, 2024, by defeating The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) at Backlash France in a match that emphasized their synergy and high-energy offense. This initial reign lasted until August 2024, spanning approximately three months with several defenses that elevated the duo's status, including a retention against Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane) on the May 24 episode of SmackDown, where Belair's KOD and Cargill's Jaded sealed the victory. The pair recaptured the titles in their second reign starting on August 31, 2024, defeating The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) at Bash in Berlin, holding the belts until February 24, 2025, for a total of 177 days (initially with Belair, later with Naomi after Cargill's kayfabe injury). Key moments included a Fatal 4-Way retention at Crown Jewel 2024 against teams featuring Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, demonstrating Cargill's ability to thrive in multi-team environments. Cargill claimed her first world singles title in WWE on November 1, 2025, defeating via pinfall in under six minutes at to end Stratton's 300-plus day reign, a victory that positioned Cargill as the new face of the women's division. As of November 17, 2025, her reign is ongoing with no successful defenses yet, though her inaugural title match has been announced for : on November 29, 2025, against a challenger to be named, building anticipation for her solo dominance. This achievement, following her accomplishments, highlights Cargill's evolution from powerhouse tag specialist to world champion, with early reports indicating plans for a reign focused on elevating the title's prestige through marquee bouts.

Other honors and records

One of Jade Cargill's most notable achievements in was her undefeated streak, which spanned 60 matches from her debut on November 11, 2020, until it was broken by at on May 28, 2023. This streak established her as a dominant force in the women's division and drew comparisons to legendary runs like Goldberg's in WCW. In , Cargill won the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament, defeating Asuka in the final match at Night of Champions on June 28, 2025, earning her the title of Queen of the Ring and a prominent position in the women's championship picture. Cargill received widespread recognition as a rookie, being named Rookie of the Year for 2021 by for her rapid ascent and impactful performances in AEW. She also earned the same honor from the , highlighting her as the top newcomer in that year. Additionally, she was awarded AEW's Female Breakout Star at the 2021 Awards, underscoring her emergence as a fast-rising talent. Among her records, Cargill held the distinction of the longest AEW TBS Championship reign at 508 days from January 5, 2022, to May 28, 2023, a mark that stood until it was surpassed by Mercedes Moné in October 2025; during this period, she made 25 successful defenses. Her consistent high rankings in industry polls, such as No. 5 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's 2022 Top 150 Females, further cemented her status as one of the most promising stars in wrestling.

Other media appearances

Film roles

Jade Cargill made her acting debut in the 2025 action thriller , directed by Gerard McMurray and set in . In the film, she portrayed Meeka, a villainous central and powerful in the Apollo Kids gang, who oversees operations in the city's . Cargill starred opposite , who leads the cast as a former agent seeking justice. The casting for Cargill's role was announced on June 12, 2025, marking her entry into acting following her rising profile in . Production on began in November 2025 in , Georgia, produced by CAT5 and Southland Stories, for an upcoming release. Her WWE prominence contributed to securing the opportunity, leveraging her athletic background for the physically demanding role. Prior to the casting, Cargill signed with Paradigm's newly launched Sports Group division in 2024 for representation across all areas, including film and television, which facilitated her Hollywood pursuits. This deal positioned her alongside other talents like and under the agency's roster.

Television and video games

Cargill has made several appearances in non-wrestling media outlets, showcasing her transition from basketball to professional wrestling and her career milestones. In a 2023 interview with , she discussed her decision to sign with , citing influences like and her desire to compete against top female wrestlers. She also spoke with in 2022 about her first year in wrestling, her TBS Championship win, and her rigorous workout regimen that emphasizes and athleticism. Additionally, Cargill penned a personal essay for in 2022, reflecting on her debut match on national television and her rapid rise in AEW. In fitness-focused media, shared insights into her background in a interview, detailing her shift from to and pro wrestling while balancing motherhood. She addressed her signing in a 2023 TMZ Sports interview, expressing excitement about challenging the most talented women in the industry after her AEW tenure. Cargill appeared in a Mountain Dew Baja Blast commercial during Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024, performing a frog splash on actress . Cargill appears as a playable character in multiple wrestling video games, reflecting her prominence in the industry. She is featured in the 2023 release , where she is one of the cover stars alongside and others, and serves as a base roster member with her signature moves and entrance. In 2K24, Cargill debuted as downloadable content in the Global Superstars Pack released in September 2024, including her attire, finishers, and over 75 new moves. She returned in 2K25 as a base roster playable character on the SmackDown brand, with an "Elite" variant unlockable through MyFACTION events. These inclusions highlight her persona's emphasis on power and athleticism in virtual promotions.

Personal life and ventures

Family and relationships

Jade Cargill has been in a relationship with former Major League Baseball player Brandon Phillips since 2015, when they met by chance at a Starbucks in Florida while both were meeting with a mutual manager who was a childhood friend of Cargill's. The couple married on an undisclosed date and has consistently demonstrated public support for one another, with Phillips frequently attending Cargill's wrestling events and celebrating her milestones. Phillips, who played 17 seasons in MLB primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, provided emotional encouragement during Cargill's shift from a career in child psychology to professional wrestling in 2019, helping her balance family responsibilities with her athletic pursuits. Cargill and Phillips welcomed their daughter, Bailey Quinn, on April 18, 2017, shortly before Cargill pursued her wrestling ambitions. Bailey has been a central figure in Cargill's life, with the wrestler crediting her daughter as a key motivator for entering the demanding world of while maintaining family stability. Phillips, who has two children from previous relationships, has emphasized the importance of family unity, stating in a 2023 that he prioritizes supporting Cargill's spotlight in while handling home duties with their children. Cargill's family dynamics were profoundly affected by the death of her mother, Debra Green, in December 2023 after a battle with cancer. Cargill shared an emotional Instagram tribute, holding her mother's hand in the hospital and expressing gratitude for the time they had, noting the loss deepened her reliance on her for strength amid her career demands. She later dedicated major wrestling achievements, including her first win in November 2025, to her late mother, highlighting the enduring familial bonds that shape her personal resilience.

Business and philanthropy

Cargill co-owns the Atlanta Smoke, a professional women's fastpitch softball team in the league, alongside her husband, former MLB player . Originally launched as the Texas Smoke in Austin in March 2023, the franchise relocated to in 2025 and has emphasized promoting Black ownership and influence in . The team won the league championship in its inaugural 2023 season, defeating the in the finals after a 22-14 regular-season record, and has since secured consecutive titles in 2024 and 2025 for a . Prior to her full-time wrestling career, Cargill worked as a fitness model, leveraging her athletic background to promote health and wellness brands. She has endorsed products from companies such as , , , and BPI Sports, often focusing on fitness and summer body campaigns that align with her of year-round physical conditioning. Cargill's philanthropic efforts center on advancing through her team ownership, which she has described as a platform to inspire greater investment and visibility for female athletes. Additionally, holding a in child psychology, she worked as a certified child with foster children until 2019, contributing to support for youth in need. With over 2 million followers across platforms like (@jadecargill), Cargill exerts significant influence, using it to amplify her business ventures and motivational content on fitness and . Her is estimated at $2–4 million, largely from wrestling contracts, endorsements, and sports ownership.

References

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