At the 2025 WWE Evolution premium live event, Jade Cargill secured a hard-fought victory over Naomi in a brutal No Holds Barred match, with Bianca Belair as the special guest referee. The match was notable for its physicality and storytelling, continuing a heated rivalry rooted in months of backstage and on-screen animosity. However, in a recent interview with The Metro, Cargill revealed that she and Naomi originally pitched far more extreme ideas for their match that WWE ultimately rejected due to safety and crowd concerns[1][2].

This backstage insight sheds light on how close the competitors came to pushing the limits beyond the already intense brawl fans witnessed, offering a rare glimpse into creative pitches that rarely emerge in WWE mainstream coverage.

The Feud Setting the Stage for Evolution

The rivalry between Jade Cargill and Naomi intensified after Naomi was revealed as the woman who put Cargill through a car windshield, an angle that sidelined Cargill for months. When Cargill returned, the stakes were higher than ever, culminating in their No Holds Barred bout at Evolution 2025. Bianca Belair’s role as the special guest referee added an additional layer of drama, as her loyalties were called into question given her history with both competitors[4][5].

The physicality of the fight on pay-per-view included trash cans, tables, steel chains, and vicious kicks, but according to various eyewitness accounts and footage, some of the planned violence didn’t make it to air[3][4].

The Weapons That Were Nearly Used — But Not Allowed

In her interview with The Metro, Jade Cargill revealed that both she and Naomi wanted to incorporate mace and razors into their match, but these proposals were shot down by WWE officials. Cargill expressed a mix of admiration and understanding for the decision.

“There was so much we wanted to use that was asked. We wanted to use mace. That was going to be tough, and then we wanted to use razors, and that was going to be tough, but I welcome it! I wish we were able to use the mace. [But] we gotta think about the crowd, we don’t want anybody in the crowd to be maced, because mace goes so far. That would’ve been wild! The whole first front row would have been lit with mace!”[1][2]

The idea of incorporating mace—a crowd-control chemical spray—was particularly striking. While it would have undoubtedly added an unpredictable edge to the contest, the obvious safety hazards for fans and performers made it untenable.

The rejected use of razors also highlights the creative interplay between Cargill and Naomi in crafting a match that would visually and emotionally impact viewers, though again, WWE’s commitment to protecting talent and audience members prevailed.

Creative Boundaries in High-Profile Women’s Matches

WWE has historically exercised caution around weapon use in women’s matches, especially at major events like Evolution, which spotlight the company’s female talent. The decision to reject extreme weaponry pitches aligns with WWE’s broader safety policies and its focus on family-friendly content, especially given the unpredictable nature of crowd interaction at live events.

Despite not being permitted the more violent tools they sought, both competitors successfully delivered a memorable and hard-hitting match that further cemented their stories and character dynamics for ongoing WWE programming[3][4].

Inside Sources Reflect on the Match and Unused Ideas

According to a WWE insider familiar with the creative process, “Jade and Naomi really wanted to push the envelope and make this one of the most intense matches in Evolution history. WWE creative definitely listened but had to draw the line with respect to the weapons, mostly for health and safety reasons.”

Sources close to Cody Rhodes, the WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Creative, confirmed that while the rejected weapons were discussed, the final approved version balanced violence with performer and fan safety, aiming for maximum impact without crossing critical boundaries.

What This Means for Future WWE Women’s Matches

Cargill’s revelation opens broader conversations about the evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE, especially regarding how far creative teams can go in storytelling through physical elements. The match against Naomi demonstrated that women’s wrestling continues to push conventional limits, with athletes and producers constantly seeking ways to innovate while navigating corporate and safety frameworks.

It also raises questions about what future WWE Evolution events might look like, possibly hinting that WWE is open to occasionally testing darker or more hardcore stylistic elements if they can guarantee safety[1][2].

The Fans and the Fallout

Fans who witnessed the match live lauded the incredible toughness displayed by both Jade Cargill and Naomi, praising the storytelling and Bianca Belair’s impartial role as referee. However, the knowledge of rejected weaponry ideas has stirred discussions on social media platforms, podcasts, and wrestling forums, with many fans expressing both excitement at the “what could have been” and relief at WWE’s prudence.

Fightful, a notable wrestling news outlet, reported that backstage reactions were mixed — while some WWE personnel respect the creative ambition shown by Cargill and Naomi, others emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe environment for live audiences and talent alike.

Final Thoughts

Jade Cargill’s candid disclosures regarding the rejected proposals for the WWE Evolution No Holds Barred match with Naomi provide exciting behind-the-scenes context to what was already a standout bout. The balance WWE strikes between innovation and responsibility continues to shape the landscape of women’s wrestling in 2025 and beyond.

As WWE’s female stars continue to demand more elevated and gritty storylines, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see what creative elements might push existing boundaries while preserving the health and safety of performers and spectators.

Sources: Interview with Jade Cargill in The Metro, reports from SI.com, NoDQ.com, Fightful, WWE Evolution 2025 broadcast footage and analysis, WWE.com insider information, and industry podcast discussions.