By Minahil Umer 
When it comes to success in both the sporting world and beyond, few couples can rival the accomplishments of Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill. Each of them has forged their own path to stardom—Brandon Phillips as a Major League Baseball (MLB) player and Jade Cargill as a powerhouse in professional wrestling. Their combined influence has captivated fans worldwide, not just through their athletic prowess, but also their inspiring journey as a family and business partners. From their early lives to their current roles in WWE and WPF, Phillips and Cargill are redefining the meaning of success.
Early Life and Education
Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill came from different backgrounds but shared a drive to excel from an early age. Phillips, born in 1981, grew up in a sports-loving family, eventually making a name for himself as a star baseball player in the MLB. His career saw him shine in teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves, where he became known for his smooth defensive skills and powerful bat. With his hard work, Phillips was able to achieve greatness in baseball and build a reputation that would carry into his personal life and business ventures.
Cargill, born in 1992, was also raised with a deep love for sports. Growing up in Gifford, Florida, she was involved in basketball from an early age, showing great promise on the court. Her athletic abilities were evident throughout high school and college, where she attended Jacksonville University. There, Cargill excelled as a basketball player, earning accolades for her skills. Her education continued with a social science degree and a master’s in child psychology. It’s her strong work ethic and determination that laid the foundation for her future career in professional wrestling.
Professional Wrestling Career
Jade Cargill’s professional wrestling career is one that has captured the hearts of fans across the globe. After years of basketball experience, she decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling—a decision that would eventually lead her to the biggest stages in the sport. After receiving guidance from WWE veteran Mark Henry, Cargill began her wrestling training, initially attending schools like Face 2 Face in Georgia and later training under notable wrestling figures such as Q.T. Marshall and Bryan Danielson.
Her career truly took off when she signed with AEW (All Elite Wrestling) in 2020. Cargill debuted with a fierce presence, dominating her opponents and quickly making an impact in AEW’s women’s division. She won the inaugural AEW TBS Championship, holding the title for a record-breaking 508 days. Along with her undefeated streak, Cargill’s persona as a powerhouse in the ring, nicknamed “That Bitch,” helped solidify her status as one of the most formidable women in professional wrestling.
AEW Career (2020–2023)
Cargill’s run in AEW was marked by a meteoric rise. She made her debut in November 2020, interrupting a segment with Cody Rhodes. Her alliance with NBA star Shaquille O’Neal brought even more attention to her early career. Over the next couple of years, Cargill would prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the AEW women’s division. She remained undefeated for nearly two years, overcoming several top-tier competitors.
In 2021, she became the first AEW TBS Champion, a title she held with remarkable dominance for over a year. Cargill’s impressive title defenses against wrestlers like The Bunny, Tay Conti, and Nyla Rose showed her resiliency and ability to thrive under pressure. Despite some early criticism about her in-ring experience, she silenced her doubters, cementing her legacy as one of AEW’s top stars. Her stable, the Baddies, which included Leila Grey and Kiera Hogan, further strengthened her presence in AEW.
WWE Career (2023–present)
In September 2023, Cargill signed with WWE, marking a new chapter in her professional wrestling career. As a fresh talent in WWE, she immediately captured the attention of fans and executives alike. Her signing came under the leadership of TKO Group Holdings, and she began training at the prestigious WWE Performance Center. Cargill made her WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in January 2024, where she showcased her dominant style by eliminating several competitors, including Nia Jax and Becky Lynch.
Since joining WWE, Cargill has been paired with top stars like Bianca Belair, with whom she won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Their partnership has brought an exciting dynamic to WWE SmackDown, where they have been able to demonstrate their chemistry and strength. Fans are eagerly anticipating Cargill’s future in WWE, as she has the potential to reach even greater heights in her wrestling career.
Date Night and Personal Life
While both Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill lead high-profile careers in sports, they also manage to maintain a strong and loving relationship. The couple, who met in 2015 while Phillips was still with the Cincinnati Reds, frequently share glimpses of their life together on social media. Their “date nights” are a regular feature on Cargill’s Instagram, where she often posts photos of their romantic outings, showing that they have built a solid and supportive relationship both inside and outside of their careers.
The couple’s connection is evident in their interactions, whether it’s Cargill’s heartfelt posts about Phillips’ unwavering support for her wrestling career or the shared moments of joy they experience together. Their bond extends beyond personal support—both Phillips and Cargill work together in business ventures, including their co-ownership of the Texas Smoke, a professional women’s fastpitch softball team in the WPF (Women’s Professional Fastpitch) league.
Cargill’s Wrestling Style and Persona
Jade Cargill has created a reputation for herself not only because of her impressive athletic ability but also due to her persona in the wrestling world. Known for her “powerhouse” wrestling style, Cargill’s in-ring persona is one of strength and domination. Her signature moves, like the bicycle kick and Jaded (her chickenwing facebuster), highlight her powerful presence, making her a force to be reckoned with in any match.
Her time in AEW helped shape her wrestling persona, with fans quickly associating her with fierce and unyielding competition. As part of her character development, Cargill was nicknamed “That Bitch,” an assertion of her confidence and unapologetic attitude in the ring. She drew inspiration from iconic figures like Chyna and Storm from X-Men, combining elements of strength and confidence that make her stand out among her peers in WWE.
Other Media Appearances
Outside the wrestling ring, Cargill has ventured into other media. In 2021, she made an appearance on the reality television series Rhodes to the Top, showcasing her life and career behind the scenes. She was also a part of the 2024 episode of Celebrity Family Feud, where she appeared alongside fellow WWE superstars.
In addition to her television appearances, Cargill has also made waves in video games. She appeared in AEW Fight Forever in 2023 and was featured in the WWE 2K24 video game as part of the Global Superstars Pack DLC in 2024. These appearances have further solidified her place in popular culture and have expanded her brand beyond the wrestling ring.
Personal Life and Family
Cargill and Phillips’ personal life reflects their successful careers and shared values. They have one daughter together, Bailey Quinn, and are deeply committed to their family. Cargill has often spoken about how important her family is to her, with Phillips being a constant source of support in her journey as a professional wrestler.
The couple’s relationship is one built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for success. They are not only parents and partners but also business collaborators, with their latest venture into the world of women’s professional fastpitch softball. Their dedication to each other and their family creates a positive and stable foundation for their careers and personal lives.
Business Ventures (Texas Smoke)
Beyond their athletic careers, Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill are both passionate entrepreneurs. In 2023, they became the co-owners of the Texas Smoke, the fourth franchise in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) league. The WPF is an up-and-coming league that has been gaining attention for its high level of competition and commitment to growing women’s sports.
By investing in the WPF, Phillips and Cargill are showing their dedication to supporting and elevating women in sports, much like their respective careers in baseball and wrestling. The success of the Texas Smoke is just one example of how the couple is leveraging their athletic careers to make a lasting impact in the sports world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Jade Cargill start her wrestling career? Jade Cargill started her wrestling career after transitioning from basketball, seeking guidance from WWE veteran Mark Henry. She trained at various wrestling schools and made her debut with AEW in 2020.
2. What titles has Jade Cargill won in her wrestling career? Cargill is a former AEW TBS Champion, holding the title for a record-breaking 508 days. She is also the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Bianca Belair.
3. What is the Texas Smoke? The Texas Smoke is a franchise in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) league co-owned by Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill. It represents the couple’s venture into women’s sports and business.
4. Who is Brandon Phillips? Brandon Phillips is a former MLB player, known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds. He was a standout second baseman and is now an entrepreneur and co-owner of the Texas Smoke.
5. What is Jade Cargill’s wrestling style? Jade Cargill is known for her powerhouse wrestling style, utilizing signature moves like the bicycle kick and Jaded (chickenwing facebuster) to dominate her opponents in the ring.
Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill are a dynamic duo that continues to inspire both fans and aspiring athletes. Their dedication to their craft, family, and business ventures speaks volumes about their resilience and drive. As they continue to shine in WWE and the WPF, their legacy will only grow stronger.
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