WrestleMania 42: Has the WWE Women’s Championship Match Lost Momentum?
When it comes to the Women’s Division in WWE, they have gone above and beyond in every match, no matter where they are positioned on the card. It’s no different when it comes to WrestleMania season, as the women usually end the night with the best match on the show. WWE has done its very best to present the top talent of the Women’s Division on the card, with both world title feuds featuring talent that have proven their worth on The Showcase of the Immortals. Unfortunately, while the women on the Raw roster have developed a strong and interesting feud, the same cannot be said about the WWE Women’s Championship match between Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley.
Since winning the title from Tiffany Stratton in November 2025, Cargill has defended the championship only once on television. That lack of title defenses, combined with inconsistent creative direction, has left many fans questioning whether there was ever a clear plan for her reign. Although Cargill continues to appear on television, the championship itself has started to feel like an afterthought. With no credible contenders established on SmackDown, WWE was forced to look outside the brand to find a legitimate challenger.
Ripley earned the right to challenge Cargill for the title at WrestleMania after outlasting five other women inside the Elimination Chamber. The thought of a clash between Ripley and Cargill at WrestleMania should feel like a marquee matchup. WWE had the perfect setup: two dominant athletes, both capable of carrying a high-profile match on the biggest stage. The most effective approach would have been to emphasize their physicality and let their in-ring presence build the story. Instead, the feud has relied heavily on repetitive promos that lack emotional depth and meaningful progression.
WWE attempted to add a bit of shock value to this feud by having Michin and B-FAB both attack Ripley. While this move provided additional screen time for both performers, it failed to clearly explain their motivations. Rather than enhancing the feud, the added interference has shifted focus away from the central rivalry. What should have been a straightforward, high-impact showdown between two top stars has instead become unnecessarily complicated.
The contrast between the Raw and SmackDown title programs is becoming increasingly noticeable, and it should serve as a wake-up call for WWE as WrestleMania 42 approaches. Cargill and Ripley have the talent to elevate this match through their in-ring performance, but the story surrounding them needs to match that level. Without a stronger narrative foundation, even a high-quality match may struggle to fully capture audience interest. WWE still has time to correct course, but the urgency to do so is growing.
