This year, the Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay, Florida, will host the WWE Royal Rumble. After a solid year under Triple H's leadership, viewers have pointed out the changes in programming and are anticipating The Game's plans for the event. 2024 is likely to continue the trend.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated debuts in WWE is that of former AEW star Jade Cargill, who was introduced on television by the company in the fall of 2023. However, her delayed in-ring return had kept Jade's name away from the rumor mill. Natalya's recent comments, though, may have been a subtle hint.
She and her husband, TJ Wilson, appeared for an interview with TMZ Sports. When asked how everything is going with Jade, who has not only been training at the WWE Performance Center but also their wrestling gym, The Dungeon 2.0, Natalya said:
"With Jade, she said, 'Hey, I would love to come and work with you.' I was like, Oh my God, I would love that.' [...] I love her enthusiasm. I love how excited she is about jumping into this. I know she's gone through a lot, her mom just passed away recently, so it's a very hard time for her in her life. [...] Sometimes, you need somebody to believe in you. I believe in Jade, I think she's going to be awesome." [From 14:30 to 15:42]
Furthermore, Natalya concluded by saying that the WWE Universe is going to see a "whole new era" in 2024:
"2024, the way the women are being used right now, and the track we're about to be on for 2024, starting with the Royal Rumble, we're going to see a whole new era of women's wrestling that is going to blow everybody away," she said. [From 15:43 to 15:58]
Wrestling veteran Mark Henry, who is signed with AEW today, is convinced that 2024 will be huge for Jade Cargill. The World's Strongest Man stated that the former AEW star will become "an iconic wrestling figure" in the business. Read more here.
Bianca Belair feels Jade Cargill will be a major difference-maker to the women's division of WWE
WWE certainly has some athletes that fans are hoping to see step into the ring this year to square off. Among the dream matches listed include Bianca Belair vs. Jade Cargill.
During her ROAR Around The Ring interview, The EST of WWE commented on Jade's entry into the global juggernaut:
"I just think it's exciting, she's coming in, and she's created so much noise without even having a match yet. So, that alone speaks volumes of what she can do for this division, so I am just excited for that. I am excited for whenever she steps out," she said. "I am just excited for when that's going to happen and who that's going to be with."
Belair also added that the much anticipated first-time-ever clash between the two will be a "banger," claiming that Jade Cargill will bring eyes to the product like never before. The EST herself is a former WrestleMania headliner, having closed out Night One of the 2021 edition.
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