Jade Cargill has addressed the ongoing criticism about her rapid rise in WWE, drawing a compelling parallel to Roman Reigns’ journey from being heavily criticized to becoming one of the most beloved wrestlers in the industry. Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast, Cargill shared candid insights into how she handles fan negativity and how her path mirrors that of Reigns, who faced intense fan skepticism early in his career before ultimately earning widespread respect[1].

Jade Cargill, who has experienced a meteoric push within WWE, acknowledged the impatience of fans wanting immediate gratification. “I’m four years and some change now in this industry… people want things so quick and so fast because I’ve been pushed to the moon because I’m gonna be a star and people see that,” she said. Noting Roman Reigns’ early reception, where fans frequently booed him despite WWE’s clear intention to position him as a top star, she emphasized that perceptions can change over time. “People used to say stuff about Roman. Now, everybody loves Roman,” Cargill reflected[1].

Her comments shed light on a common theme in professional wrestling: the gradual evolution of a wrestler’s relationship with the audience. Roman Reigns, once one of wrestling’s most polarizing figures, now stands as a pillar of the company, demonstrating that fan opinions can shift dramatically with perseverance and consistent performance. By likening her experience to Reigns’, Jade is asserting confidence that her own trajectory will follow a similar arc.

In the same podcast, Cargill recounted an encouraging moment from her time in AEW when Bryan Danielson praised her comfort and natural ability inside the ring despite her relatively short wrestling tenure. His commendation highlighted her progress and potential, reinforcing her belief that experience isn’t the sole determinant of success in the squared circle[1]. This endorsement from a respected veteran like Danielson further bolsters her case against critics.

Moreover, Jade named one of her biggest wrestling inspirations and rivals when discussing her growth, although specific details about who she referenced were not disclosed in the available reports. Nevertheless, her acknowledgment of wrestling role models underlines her dedication to improving her craft and evolving as an athlete.

Sources close to WWE have pointed out that Jade Cargill’s character and in-ring skill have been groomed with long-term plans in mind. WWE officials reportedly see her as a future cornerstone of the women’s division, and the company’s strong push is strategically designed to build her star power, even if it draws early criticism from some fans. This approach mirrors WWE’s historical investment in top talents who initially faced resistance, such as Roman Reigns, further validating her comparison[2].

Interestingly, the parallels between Cargill and Reigns extend beyond fan reactions. Both superstars were fast-tracked into main-event-level storylines relatively early in their careers. The difference lies in timeframe and narrative development: while Reigns took a few years to win over doubters, Jade is being tested under an even more intense spotlight due to the current wrestling landscape’s rapid pace and social media scrutiny.

Fans have often debated whether Jade’s rapid ascent is merited given her short wrestling background, but her performances and promo skills have demonstrated substantial growth. Industry insiders suggest that WWE’s faith in her parallels the initial faith placed in Roman Reigns when he was first “pushed” as the future face of the company.

This is not the first time Roman Reigns and Jade Cargill have been compared, as their clashes in various media, including WWE 2K25 video game matches, have fueled fan discussions about their respective dominance and in-ring capabilities[3][4][5]. While Roman Reigns currently holds a more entrenched legacy, Jade’s in-ring style and imposing presence have carved out a unique niche that fans are increasingly valuing.

Jade Cargill’s ability to handle criticism while maintaining a focus on the long game exemplifies a professional mindset vital for succeeding in today’s wrestling environment. Her willingness to draw inspiration from Roman Reigns’ transformation underscores an understanding of wrestling’s cyclical nature, where today’s skeptics can become tomorrow’s biggest supporters.

As WWE continues to develop her as a key player in the women’s division, it remains to be seen how her fan reception evolves. However, by standing firm and comparing her journey to one of the industry’s biggest success stories, Jade Cargill is setting the stage for a promising and resilient career.

Sources:

• The Babyfaces Podcast, where Jade Cargill made her comparison to Roman Reigns and discussed Bryan Danielson’s praise[1].

• Insider reports from WWE.com and Fightful confirming WWE’s long-term plans for Jade Cargill and the parallels drawn with Roman Reigns[2].

• WWE 2K25 gameplay videos and fan reactions featuring Roman Reigns vs. Jade Cargill matches, highlighting their ongoing rivalry and fan engagement[3][4][5].