In a stunning revelation about WWE Evolution 2, former impact star Jade Cargill disclosed that she and Naomi had proposed a highly intense and controversial concept for their No Holds Barred match that was ultimately turned down by WWE executives. While the planned brutality would have tested boundaries with weapons like mace and razors, WWE opted for a more controlled approach to the bout. Meanwhile, in a separate development, AEW’s Jacob Fatu publicly unveiled his preferred lineup for a bar fight scenario, and in WWE, Becky Lynch is reportedly demanding that Nattie Neidhart adopt a new, edgier persona to revitalize her character. These backstage stories indicate a dynamic and evolving scene across professional wrestling promotions.
WWE Passed on Brutality Proposal for Evolution 2
Jade Cargill recently sat down with Metro UK to discuss her time surrounding WWE Evolution 2 and revealed that she and Naomi sought to push the limits of the no-disqualification stipulation. Their pitch involved incorporating mace and razors into the match, which would have added a raw and gritty level of brutality uncommon on WWE’s programming. They also wanted to bring the fight into the crowd to increase the chaos and engagement factor. However, according to Cargill, WWE brass rejected the idea, likely concerned about safety, broadcast standards, and maintaining WWE’s PG-rated brand image.
Cargill stated: “We wanted to bring a level of hardcore intensity to the match that fans rarely see from WWE. Using weapons like mace or blades could’ve made it something unforgettable, but WWE wasn’t ready to take it there.” This disclosure aligns with WWE’s historically cautious approach to extreme violence, especially in women’s matches, despite growing fan interest in edgier content. The rejection of this proposal reiterates WWE’s prioritization of safety and mainstream appeal over hardcore spectacle[2].
Jacob Fatu Names His Team for a Bar Fight Fantasy
On the other side of the wrestling world, AEW star Jacob Fatu—known for his lethal Samoan style—recently revealed his dream team for a no-holds-barred bar fight scenario. Speaking on a popular wrestling podcast, Fatu named close allies and fierce competitors he would want by his side in a chaotic and unstructured brawl environment. His team reportedly includes other hard-hitting wrestlers recognized for their toughness and aggression, highlighting Fatu’s reputation as a dominant force willing to escalate battles beyond the squared circle.
Sources close to Fatu suggest this reveals the growing appetite among wrestlers for brutal, street-fight style matches that emphasize realism and raw conflict. AEW has embraced more violent and unpredictable match types compared to WWE’s PG era, positioning stars like Fatu as key figures in expanding wrestling’s hardcore appeal[2].
Becky Lynch Pushes for Nattie Neidhart’s Character Evolution
In WWE locker rooms, Becky Lynch is reportedly advocating for a significant character change for Nattie Neidhart (Natalya). Known for her technical prowess but sometimes critiqued for a lack of dynamic character depth, Nattie is said to be under pressure from fellow wrestlers like Lynch to adopt a persona that is more compelling and impactful.
According to insider reports on Fightful, Lynch believes that Nattie needs a fresh, tougher persona—possibly darker or more complex—to break out of the mid-card status and connect better with the modern WWE audience. This development fits WWE’s ongoing efforts to repackage veterans and elevate women’s wrestling by encouraging character reinventions that blend in-ring skills with strong storytelling[2].
Industry Implications and Fan Reactions
The behind-the-scenes insights from Cargill, Fatu, and Lynch reflect wider trends in wrestling entertainment:
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WWE’s Controlled Presentation vs. Wrestling’s Hardcore Fan Base: WWE remains cautious around ultra-violent content despite attempts by some stars to push the envelope. The rejection of Cargill and Naomi’s edgy pitch reminds fans of WWE’s balancing act between mainstream broadcasting standards and evolving fan expectations.
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AEW and Independent Influence: Jacob Fatu’s openness about assembling a bar fight team underscores AEW’s willingness to showcase raw, intense brawling styles, appealing to audiences craving more unfiltered action.
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Character Revamps to Maintain Relevance: Becky Lynch’s push for Nattie Neidhart highlights how talent-driven initiatives can influence creative directions, aiming to keep long-time performers relevant through character dynamics rather than relying solely on wrestling ability.
What’s Next?
While WWE Evolution 2’s potential hardcore spectacle was curtailed, the wrestling world continues to evolve with stars like Cargill and Fatu pushing boundaries. Fans should watch for upcoming WWE programming and AEW events that may integrate some of these ideas in different forms. Meanwhile, Nattie Neidhart’s possible persona shift could be a key storyline to monitor on WWE Raw or SmackDown in the coming months.
According to a WWE insider familiar with creative discussions, “The company is constantly weighing risks and rewards when it comes to pushing violence in matches. Many wrestlers want to go harder, but WWE’s brand priorities keep them in check—for now.”[2]
As wrestling narratives develop, these backstage stories shed light on how talent-driven ideas, company strategies, and fan desires shape the future of sports entertainment.
This article was compiled using information from Wrestling Headlines, Metro UK interviews, and reports from Fightful and insider wrestling podcasts.