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WWE’s demanding travel schedule is one of the biggest differences between working for WWE and AEW, and Jade Cargill realizes that all too well. Cargill left AEW with an incredible record, one where she only suffered two losses, both to Kris Statlander. Then she jumped aboard the WWE machine, and those two companies have very different schedules.
During a recent interview with The Ringer, Jade Cargill, who has been a dominant force alongside Bianca Belair in the women’s tag team division on SmackDown, discussed how the intense travel requirements of WWE have been a major adjustment for her since moving from AEW.
Reflecting on her time with AEW, Cargill noted that she was used to working one or two days a week, often traveling on the same day and leaving the next morning. In contrast, WWE’s schedule is relentless. “The travel is brutal. It’s very, very brutal,” Cargill admitted.
“The fact that we travel internationally, and then have to turn around, and people have to go to RAW… I think that’s crazy.” She explained how WWE Superstars are expected to perform at their best in front of massive audiences, despite being jet-lagged or exhausted from international tours and premium live events, like a recent one in Germany.
Cargill also mentioned how WWE’s schedule used to be even more grueling. Bianca Belair, her tag team partner, has echoed similar sentiments, explaining that today’s WWE schedule is less intense than it used to be, though still challenging. “You literally share your life with the WWE Universe,” Cargill said, highlighting the non-stop nature of being on the road and in the public eye as a WWE Superstar.
In AEW, Cargill was accustomed to a lighter schedule, often only working a few days a week with minimal travel. WWE’s system, with international tours, weekly shows, and live events, is far more demanding. However, reports suggest that WWE may reduce its live events in 2025, potentially offering some relief for its talent by cutting back on the road time.
For Jade Cargill, the biggest adjustment has been the travel, not the physical toll of the matches themselves. “Yes, you take all the bumps. Yes, you go in the ring. Yes, all this stuff, but travel is the biggest part of it all,” she emphasized, underscoring how the grind of constant travel has been the most challenging aspect of her transition from AEW to WWE.
Bianca Belair also reflected on the evolution of NXT, noting how different the developmental brand is today compared to her time there. “NXT is so different,” she remarked, pointing out changes in talent, the setup, and the rapid pace at which new recruits are being put on TV. She praised the current system for its focus on recruiting collegiate athletes, which she believes will benefit them once they move to the main roster.
Both Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair have established themselves as top stars in WWE, but it’s clear that the company’s rigorous travel schedule has been one of the most significant changes for Cargill since making the jump from AEW, where the pace was much slower. As they carry the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles once again, only time will tell how many globetrotting journeys they have in the future.
What’s your take on AEW versus WWE’s travel schedule? Which company would you rather work for? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
September 16, 2024 1:38 pm
