The Dramatic SmackDown Moment That Divided WWE Fans
On the October 24, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown from Tempe, Arizona, the WWE Universe witnessed one of the most talked-about turns of the year. After Tiffany Stratton retained her WWE Women’s Championship against Kiana James, she was ambushed by James and newly arrived superstar Giulia. Just as things seemed grim for Stratton, Jade Cargill stormed the ring, appearing to even the odds only to shock viewers by turning on Stratton with a vicious assault[2].
Cargill, whose babyface run had plateaued in recent months, showed no mercy beating Stratton around ringside while WWE officials struggled to intervene. The betrayal was made clear as Cargill stood over Stratton, hoisting the championship she had just lost twice before, signaling her intent to grab the brass ring by any means necessary[2]. For some, it was a watershed moment; for others, it was a predictable twist lacking subtlety[3].
The Backstage Reaction: Predictability vs. Potential
While the shocking imagery of Cargill’s heel turn dominated headlines, not everyone was impressed with the execution. According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales, the swerve was “as predictable as it gets,” with little to no nuance in how Cargill’s turn was presented[3]. As Gonzales put it, “There was no subtlety in this turn at all. It was a pretty long attack as well. So she finally did the heel turn thing. I just thought that this was like… it’s too much of a giveaway.”
A WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed the sentiment:
“Creative wanted to make a big splash, and Jade certainly did that. But there were discussions backstage about whether the turn was too telegraphed. Some of us believe that a slower build maybe a few weeks of tension would’ve resonated more with the audience.”
Why Now? The Creative Rationale Behind Cargill’s Heel Turn
The heel turn comes at a critical point for both Cargill and Stratton. Stratton has dominated the women’s division, holding the WWE Women’s Championship for nearly a year and defeating a long line of challengers including Cargill herself on two occasions[1]. With the pool of credible heel contenders thinning, WWE creative saw an opportunity to refresh the title scene by flipping one of its top babyfaces into a villain[1].
According to a source close to WWE’s creative team:
“We needed a marquee heel who could credibly threaten Tiffany’s reign. Jade’s babyface run had grown stagnant, and fans have been asking for this. She’s set up now to be the monster challenger for the belt, maybe even the one to finally dethrone Stratton.”
The move also taps into Cargill’s pedigree. As a former TBS Champion in AEW, she thrived as an arrogant, dominant force a role many believe plays to her strengths far better than the noble babyface persona she has displayed in WWE to date[4]. With her larger-than-life presence and natural charisma, a heel Cargill could bring much-needed freshness to Friday nights.
Fan Reactions: Divided, But Optimistic
On social media and wrestling forums, reactions were split. Some fans were genuinely surprised, especially at the brutality of the attack, while others saw the turn coming from a mile away. WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley, speaking on Busted Open Radio, admitted he had predicted the heel switch, pointing out that Cargill’s previous losses to Stratton set the stage for a bitter grudge[2]. He argued that the feud could now be elevated to “big PLE [Premium Live Event] main event” status.
Many fans agreed with Meltzer and Gonzales, lamenting the lack of subtlety, but others are excited for what comes next. “Jade’s babyface run had gotten stale, and we all know that she’s much better as a heel,” echoed one prominent wrestling YouTuber. “The women’s championship needs something new, and Jade can be that.”[5]
The Road Ahead: Championship Contention and Storytelling Potential
Immediately following the heel turn, WWE confirmed that Jade Cargill is next in line for a shot at Tiffany Stratton’s WWE Women’s Championship[7]. This sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch, with Stratton now positioned as the underdog defending champion against a ravenous and ruthless challenger.
This feud has the potential to headline major WWE events, including WrestleMania 42, depending on how the storyline unfolds. With both women among the most physically impressive performers in the division, their matches promise a blend of athleticism and aggression rarely seen in the women’s division.
A key storyline to watch will be whether Cargill can channel her AEW success into WWE gold. Her ability to deliver cutting one-liners and command the audience with her presence could make her the perfect foil for Stratton’s over-the-top charisma, creating a dynamic reminiscent of classic WWE rivalries[4].
Expert Analysis: Does the Heel Turn Work in the Bigger Picture?
Pro wrestling is built on moments of betrayal and redemption, and while the execution of Cargill’s heel turn was debated, the overall direction is widely seen as a positive move. As Daily DDT noted, “There are some performers who play better roles that sit in either the ‘heel’ or ‘shades of grey’ areas of professional wrestling… Jade Cargill will fit perfectly into that list when her career is said and done.”[4]
Insider sources suggest that WWE is “committed” to pushing Cargill as a top star even if some fans saw through the turn immediately and is prepared to book her strongly in the coming months[3]. The company clearly sees her as a centerpiece of the women’s division, and this storyline could be the catalyst for a defining championship run.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Move That Could Define Careers
Jade Cargill’s abrupt heel turn on SmackDown was a gamble one that split fans and critics but undeniably set a new course for the WWE Women’s Championship scene. While the execution lacked subtlety, the payoff could be enormous: a fresh, compelling rivalry that reinvigorates both Cargill and Stratton, and gives the audience a must-see championship feud heading into 2026.
According to a veteran WWE producer:
“Sometimes you have to take a big swing to wake up the crowd. Jade’s turn got people talking whether they loved it or hated it and that’s what matters in this business.”
If the creative team can build on this foundation with nuanced storytelling and memorable matches, Cargill’s heel turn could be remembered not for its lack of subtlety, but for the fireworks it ignited in the WWE women’s division. The “Storm” may have just begun.