WWE is currently in the process of finalizing its plans for the Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 42, with discussions focusing on reigning champion Jade Cargill. According to information from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, creative head Triple H has yet to reach a definitive decision on the direction for Cargill’s title defense, which is set for April 2026 in Las Vegas.
Several potential opponents have emerged, including Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton. Both wrestlers faced off in a championship bout at WrestleMania 41, where Stratton successfully defended her title against Flair. Their ongoing rivalry has been intensified by notable exchanges on episodes of SmackDown leading up to last year’s event. After a brief title reign, Stratton lost the championship to Cargill on the November 1, 2025 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Cargill’s character has evolved into a dominant presence in WWE’s women’s division, positioning herself as the “alpha female” across all brands. While many fans anticipated the return of Bianca Belair following her injury hiatus, she did not make an appearance at the 2026 Royal Rumble held in Saudi Arabia. As of now, there are no indications of her imminent return, leaving Flair and Stratton as the leading contenders for a title match against Cargill.
In a significant development, Cargill is scheduled to defend her Women’s Championship for the first time on the upcoming episode of SmackDown against Jordynne Grace. This match marks her initial televised title defense since winning the championship, despite having participated in several non-televised events where she faced competitors like Michin, B-FAB, and Bayley. The decision to showcase this title defense on television highlights WWE’s commitment to elevating Cargill’s reign and her prominence in the storyline.
It is unlikely that Cargill will lose her title on her first televised defense, given her strong portrayal in recent months. Nevertheless, the prospect of future matches with Flair and the anticipated clash with Belair loom large as WWE continues to shape its narrative leading up to WrestleMania 42. The outcome of Cargill’s match against Grace could set the stage for her next significant rivalry, adding to the intrigue surrounding WWE’s premier event this April.
