Jade Cargill to return from injury, new champion to be crowned? - 4 finishes for Nia Jax vs. Naomi for the WWE Women's Championship

WWE SmackDown aired last night and it was the final edition of the blue brand in 2024. As such, there were some big moments and matches, including Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes agreeing to a future Ladder Match.

The opening match of the show saw Nia Jax, Candice LeRae, and Tiffany Stratton take on and ultimately lose to Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill. This has led to a major match being announced for next week's show.

The first three-hour episode of SmackDown and the 2025 premiere will see Nia Jax's world title put on the line. Nia will go one-on-one with her real-life family member Naomi in what is sure to be an absolutely fantastic match.

The first SmackDown of the year is bound to be a big show and this match needs to deliver. The question is, how might it end? This article will take a look at a handful of potential finishes for Nia vs. Naomi, which includes a few ways the title may change hands.

Below are four finishes for Nia Jax vs. Naomi for the WWE Women's Championship.

#4. Naomi could win the WWE Women's Championship

Naomi is in quite the spot right now. Due to Jade Cargill's injury, Naomi has filled in as WWE Women's Tag Team Champion alongside Bianca Belair. The two have already successfully defended the belts as a unit.

Beyond this accolade, Naomi has had a lot of other successes in WWE. She is a former SmackDown Women's Champion and also held tag team gold with Sasha Banks in the past. The Queen of Glow also once won a Women's WrestleMania Battle Royal.

Naomi can bring it, so when she and Nia lock horns on SmackDown next Friday, there is a real chance that Naomi may win the gold. If she hits The Rear View or a Split-Legged Moonsault, the championship could change hands via pinfall.

#3. Nia Jax could shockingly squash Naomi

While that outcome is possible, the polar opposite could take place too. It would be foolish for WWE fans to doubt Nia Jax, as even prior to this year, she is a former world champion and former tag team champion.

Jax in 2024, however, has been a different animal entirely. She main-evented Elimination Chamber Perth, won the Queen of the Ring Tournament, and then defeated Bayley to capture the WWE Women's Title. Truthfully, she has been borderline unstoppable.

When Nia and Naomi clash on Friday Night SmackDown, that dominance could very well continue. Nia might shockingly squash her real-life family member, hitting a Pop-Up Headbutt and The Banzai Drop for a quick win. This would be devastating for Naomi, but great for Jax.

#2. Tiffany Stratton could cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase

The constant question mark over every champion in WWE is Tiffany Stratton. The popular star won the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match this past summer and thus, has a guaranteed title opportunity for whenever she chooses to cash in.

Recently, Tiffany has become more and more blatant about cashing it in on her alleged friend Nia. In fact, Candice LeRae potentially prevented Stratton from doing that on WWE SmackDown last night. It is clear the cracks between Tiffany and Nia won't be healed soon.

As a result of these cracks and Tiffany's clear desire to become world champion, Stratton might cash in her briefcase mid-match on SmackDown next week. If Naomi and Nia are exhausted, she could use the briefcase to run in, level both women and proceed to hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and win her first title on the main roster.

#1. Jade Cargill could return and shockingly attack both women

Jade Cargill has been out of action for weeks now. The Storm was seen left in a mangled mess on top of a car during an episode of SmackDown. It wasn't and still isn't clear who attacked her, but Jade was left bloodied and battered.

Bianca Belair and Naomi have promised to find the attackers. Meanwhile, Nia Jax made a shocking accusation on WWE SmackDown claiming Belair could've been the one behind it. If Jade doesn't know, she is likely confused and frustrated.

In what could be both a crazy and epic moment, Jade could return on television next week by interrupting the match. She could lay out Nia and then shockingly also hit Naomi with The Jaded.

From there, The Storm could note that until she finds out who really did attack her, everybody is an enemy. This would create an atmosphere of tension and unrest, which would make for an incredibly interesting television show each week.

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