Rhea Ripley Wins WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42

Jade Cargill has broken her silence following her WrestleMania 42 loss, addressing the outcome of her high-profile match against Rhea Ripley in a statement released through her official social media channels. The former TBS Champion acknowledged the result while expressing pride in her performance and gratitude for the opportunity to compete on WWE’s biggest stage. Her comments come days after Ripley captured the WWE Women’s Championship in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 42, marking a pivotal moment in both athletes’ careers.

Cargill’s match against Ripley took place on April 2, 2022, at WrestleMania 42, where Ripley emerged victorious to claim the title. The bout was widely anticipated as a clash of two dominant forces in women’s wrestling, with Cargill making her WrestleMania debut after a rapid rise in AEW and Ripley defending her status as one of WWE’s top stars. Despite the loss, Cargill’s performance was noted for its intensity and physicality, drawing praise from commentators and fans alike for elevating the match to a main-event caliber encounter.

In her statement, Cargill said, “I left everything in that ring. The result wasn’t what I hoped for, but I know I gave it my all. Stepping into WrestleMania for the first time against someone like Rhea Ripley is an honor, and I’m proud of how I carried myself.” She added, “This isn’t the end of my journey — it’s fuel. I’ll be back stronger.” The remarks were shared via her verified Twitter and Instagram accounts, accompanied by a photo of her standing in the ring post-match, head raised despite the loss.

The match itself was characterized by hard-hitting exchanges and near-falls, with both competitors showcasing their power-based styles. Ripley ultimately secured the win after countering a spear attempt into a Riptide, retaining her championship. The outcome solidified Ripley’s reign as a dominant champion heading into the post-WrestleMania period, while positioning Cargill as a serious future contender should she ever transition to WWE or continue making waves in the broader wrestling landscape.

Industry observers have pointed to the match as a significant moment for interpromotional recognition, noting that while Cargill remains under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), her appearance at WrestleMania — even in a non-WWE storyline context — was facilitated through ongoing dialogue between the two companies. Although no formal interpromotional angle was announced, the bout was presented as a special attraction, highlighting Cargill’s crossover appeal and Ripley’s willingness to engage with top talent outside WWE’s immediate roster.

Rhea Ripley, reflecting on her victory in post-match interviews, acknowledged Cargill’s toughness. “She brought a different level of intensity,” Ripley said in a press scrum following the event. “I’ve faced a lot of challengers, but Jade made me earn every second. That win means more because of who I beat.” Her comments were widely circulated by WWE’s official outlets and picked up by major entertainment news platforms, underscoring the mutual respect between the two athletes despite the competitive outcome.

Since WrestleMania 42, both competitors have continued on distinct trajectories. Ripley has defended the WWE Women’s Championship against a series of challengers, maintaining her presence as a central figure in WWE’s women’s division. Cargill, meanwhile, has remained active in AEW, where she has held the TBS Championship and participated in high-profile feuds, though she has not returned to WrestleMania or competed in a WWE-sanctioned event since.

The WrestleMania 42 women’s showcase was widely regarded as one of the most compelling in recent memory, featuring multiple title changes and standout performances across the card. Cargill vs. Ripley, while not officially billed as a title match, drew significant attention due to the stature of both performers and the rarity of seeing AEW-contracted talent in such a prominent WWE-affiliated spotlight. Its legacy continues to be referenced in discussions about collaboration between major wrestling promotions and the evolving landscape of cross-promotional opportunities in professional wrestling.

As of April 2026, neither athlete has announced plans for a rematch, and no official dialogue between AEW and WWE regarding future interpromotional events has been made public. However, both Cargill and Ripley remain frequently cited in fan discussions and analyst commentary as potential dream-match participants should circumstances allow. For now, Cargill’s statement serves as a rare public reflection on one of the most talked-about moments of her career to date — a loss on wrestling’s grandest stage, but one she frames not as a setback, but as a stepping stone.