WWE Considering First-Time-Ever Match for Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42

Jade Cargill’s WrestleMania 42 opponent may still be in flux — but a major first-time-ever match is now on the table.

After earlier reports noted WWE had not finalized plans for the SmackDown Women’s Championship match in Las Vegas, a new update suggests the company is seriously considering Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley. Speaking during a Self Made Session on February 23, 2026, Self Made Pro revealed that internal discussions about the matchup date back months.

“The very first time I heard rumblings of Rhea Ripley versus Jade Cargill was around WarGames. It was explained to me that WWE would prefer to have Bianca Belair healthy to face Jade Cargill. That’s the reason Jade won the championship — so they could do the match with Bianca.”

According to the report, the original long-term direction centered around Bianca Belair challenging Cargill. However, that match is unlikely to happen after Belair recently underwent finger surgery. It was added that Cargill vs. Ripley was something WWE always kept in their back pocket.

“It’s looking increasingly like Bianca may not be able to wrestle on the show, even if she’s planning to appear. Jade and Rhea is something they’ve always kind of kept in their back pocket. If worst comes to worst, they could just have Rhea win the Elimination Chamber and face Jade.”

Self Made Pro added that as recently as last week, WWE was still actively adjusting the women’s WrestleMania plans. He ended by noting that Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for WrestleMania 42 is very much in play.

“So I say all that to say it’s very much in play. I can tell you this — as recently as last week, they were still changing the women’s matches for WrestleMania. That doesn’t necessarily mean the main matches, but possibly the surrounding matches connected to the title bouts. They’re trying to figure out what to do with the other women who aren’t competing for one of the main championships. Like I said, they were still adjusting the women’s matches as of last week. Jade versus Ripley was very much in play the last time I heard from sources.”

WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18–19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and while Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton have previously been discussed as potential challengers, there’s a chance WWE may pivot toward a huge match between two of the most dominant women in the company. If it happens, Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley would mark their first-ever singles match on WWE’s biggest stage.

Would you rather see Jade Cargill face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42 — or someone else? Sound off in the comments.

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