WWE Star Set To Return After Year-Long Injury: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
WWE Raw superstar Kiana James is close to returning to the ring after being out for a year. The report comes from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The update on James's status indicates her long absence from WWE programming is nearing its end. Meltzer stated, "Kiana James is close to returning."
This news signals that her recovery process is in its final stages. WWE fans can expect to see her back on television soon.
Kiana James Nears WWE Return
James has been out of action since June 2024 following a leg injury. Her last match was on the June 17, 2024, episode of Monday Night Raw.
She competed in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier against IYO SKY and Zelina Vega. The injury, which occurred shortly after, required surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period.
COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany.
COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany.An Abrupt Halt to Her WWE Main Roster Push
The timing of the injury stalled her career momentum. She was drafted from NXT to Raw just two months earlier in the April 2024 WWE Draft.
Before being sidelined, James made her main roster debut with a victory over Natalya. The win positioned her for a solid push on the Raw brand before the injury stopped her progress.
Kiana James' Road to Recovery
By September 2024, reports confirmed she was dealing with a leg injury. WWE then moved her to its internal miscellaneous roster list, which is standard for injured talent.
The initial recovery was expected to take at least six months. More recently, James was reportedly on the verge of being medically cleared and was seen training with Charlotte Flair.
During her time in NXT, James made a name for herself with her businesswoman character. She had a notable run as a heel and captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Fallon Henley.
Throughout her time away, it has been reported that James has impressed many within WWE with her strong work ethic and dedication to her recovery. In May 2025, reports suggested she was on the verge of being medically cleared. Recently, James was seen training with former champion Charlotte Flair, further fueling speculation that her return is imminent.
During her tenure in NXT, James made a name for herself with a businesswoman gimmick. She had a notable run as a heel, which included capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Fallon Henley, who would later become a rival.
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