WWE has set a groundbreaking precedent for women’s wrestling following an announcement made during the April 4 edition of SmackDown. Naomi will square off against Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 41 in what marks a significant milestone for the company’s women’s division.
The singles match will be the first women’s bout without a championship or special stipulation at WrestleMania in 19 years. This unprecedented matchup represents the first time since 2006 that WWE has booked a women’s non-title contest at their premier annual showcase.
Looking at the historical context, women’s non-title matches at WrestleMania have been extremely rare. The last occurrence came at WrestleMania 22 when Torrie Wilson faced Candice Michelle in a Playboy Pillow Fight Match. Prior to that, fans would need to look back to WrestleMania 16 in 2000 when Terri Runnels and The Kat competed in a Catfight Match.
This bout carries additional significance as neither Naomi nor Jade Cargill has previously competed in a singles match at WrestleMania. Their contest will join two other women’s matches on the WrestleMania 41 card, with Tiffany Stratton challenging Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Title and Bianca Belair taking on IYO SKY for the Women’s World Title.
The booking decision demonstrates WWE’s evolving approach to women’s wrestling, allowing meaningful non-title rivalries to receive spotlight on the grandest stage. The match between Naomi and Jade Cargill continues the company’s progression toward equal representation within the WrestleMania lineup.
