Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42: Everything You Should Know

Work or Shoot? Ripley vs. Cargill Online

The friction began after Ripley’s Chamber victory. Cargill posted that Ripley “would do” on X.

Ripley responded during the Elimination Chamber post-show, and the online back-and-forth escalated.

Conflict at a Glance

• Cargill suggested WWE creative has “protected” Ripley, fast-tracking her to WrestleMania and implying she doesn't fully deserve another title opportunity.
• Chelsea Green and Piper Niven joined the conversation, making it clear that it's part of the storyline. Performers of their stature wouldn’t comment on a real shoot publicly.
• Ripley has thrown digs at Cargill rooted in the locker room's real-life perception of her.

This is a work, or scripted part of storyline.

That said, just because it’s a work doesn’t mean it’s entirely divorced from reality. Ripley’s Instagram story reflects real sentiment toward Cargill.

This feud has the potential to get intense fast. Cargill is a volatile personality, and while Ripley is experienced enough to navigate WWE’s style, her Australian edge is always unpredictable.

SmackDown and Tiffany Stratton

Ripley will appear on SmackDown this week and every week through WrestleMania season. Her move to SmackDown raises questions about Tiffany Stratton’s involvement, given her prominence in the division and earlier creative plans that included her in the title picture. With slower ticket sales and lukewarm fan reception for WrestleMania 42, WWE appears to be leaning on Ripley as a proven draw and its biggest women’s star.

Will IYO SKY Be Involved?

As of now, RHIYO appears on hold through WrestleMania, with Ripley focused on Cargill and IYO targeting the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

After WrestleMania, however, another matchup between Ripley and IYO seems inevitable. On Raw, IYO’s body language suggested that Jade Cargill isn’t the only one with a bone to pick with Ripley.