Booker T recently ignited controversy in the wrestling world by attributing Jade Cargill’s recent in-ring struggles on WWE SmackDown to her background in AEW. This remark came after Cargill’s high-profile match on SmackDown was marred by a serious injury and several noticeable botches, sparking a heated debate across multiple wrestling promotions and among fans.
The Incident: Jade Cargill’s Bloody Botch on SmackDown
On the September 26, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, Jade Cargill participated in a triple threat match for the Women’s Championship against Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax. The contest saw Cargill suffer a gruesome injury when Nia Jax threw her headfirst into steel steps, resulting in a deep, bloody gash on Cargill’s forehead. Despite the injury, Cargill completed the match with blood visibly streaming down her face, a sight that raised alarms among viewers and wrestling analysts alike[1].
Beyond the injury, the match itself was criticized heavily. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer called it WWE’s worst match of the year, pointing out multiple botched spots that disrupted the flow and quality of the contest. One critical moment was a confusing pin attempt involving a referee miscount, which further marred the match’s finish[1][2].
Booker T’s “Fresh Off AEW” Comment and Backlash
In a post-match commentary, Booker T made a pointed remark about Cargill being “fresh off AEW,” implying that her former tenure in All Elite Wrestling was partly to blame for the botched performance and injury. This comment instantly sparked backlash, as many interpreted it as unfairly singling out Cargill’s previous experience instead of addressing broader issues such as booking, referee coordination, and the physical risks wrestlers face regardless of promotion.
Talent and insiders across wrestling organizations expressed their opinions publicly and privately. A WWE insider told Ringside News, “Booker’s comment missed the mark — Jade’s ring skills and toughness are undeniable. The issues on SmackDown were more about environment and circumstance than her AEW past”[3].
Reactions Across Wrestling Promotions
Promotions beyond WWE weighed in on the discussion. AEW, known for producing technically sound matches, tacitly defended Cargill through subtle messaging on social media and praise of her toughness. Meanwhile, veteran talents from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Impact Wrestling emphasized that injuries and botches are an occupational hazard affecting wrestlers regardless of their promotion’s style or philosophy.
One former AEW star, now working more broadly in the independent scene, shared with Perplexity’s sources: “Injuries happen everywhere. Blaming a wrestler’s former company oversimplifies a complex performance art that depends on many variables — chemistry, timing, referee calls, and more.”
What Went Wrong in the SmackDown Match?
Industry experts analyzing the match cited a mix of factors for the botched finish and injuries:
Referee confusion: The referee prematurely stopped a pinfall count despite one competitor not kicking out on time, undermining the match’s storytelling and creating awkward moments[4].
Improper placement: The spot where Nia Jax threw Cargill into steel steps was poorly executed, causing a significant cut[1].
Lack of smooth chemistry: Given the relative novelty of Jade Cargill to WWE’s roster and its style, some speculated that it might take more time for her to fully adapt and synchronize with the veteran WWE roster and production style.
However, insiders reiterate that botches can happen even in the most seasoned talent’s matches. “Every company has off nights,” said a source close to Cody Rhodes. “We learn from them, fix what we can, but it’s never productive to scapegoat one wrestler’s background”[3].
Jade Cargill’s Health and Future Plans
Despite the severity of the injury, Cargill did not require plastic surgery, only several stitches to close the wound. WWE officials expect her to return to active competition in the coming weeks, with no indications she will be taken off the road imminently[1].
Post-match, Tiffany Stratton emerged as the contender set to face Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at the upcoming Crown Jewel event, signaling the storyline moving forward amid the controversy[1].
Backstage Sentiment: The Importance of Support and Adaptation
Backstage sources stressed the importance of framing rookie transitions with support rather than criticism. As one WWE trainer explained, “When someone crosses from one major promotion to another, there’s inevitably an adjustment period. We focus on safety, communication, and refining the craft. Publicly calling out a wrestler for their background isn’t helpful or fair.”
The underlying sentiment among talent and production is to use incidents like these as learning experiences to tighten coordination and improve match quality rather than create rifts between promotions.
Final Thoughts
Booker T’s comment about Jade Cargill’s AEW past brought an intense spotlight on the challenges wrestlers face when navigating different company cultures and styles. While the bloody botch on SmackDown was unfortunate, industry voices largely view the issue as systemic rather than individual failings.
As wrestling continues evolving with talent migrating between organizations, fostering mutual respect and understanding remains crucial. Jade Cargill’s resilience and toughness throughout this episode bode well for her continued growth in WWE and beyond.
According to a WWE insider, “This is about evolution and patience. Jade’s star is on the rise, and WWE wants to make sure she’s set up for long-term success.”