Latest news with #KianaJames
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Major Potential 'WWE SmackDown' Spoiler on Absent Superstar
Major Potential 'WWE SmackDown' Spoiler on Absent Superstar originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There might be a big spoiler ahead of Friday's episode of "WWE SmackDown." WWE is set for a loaded edition of the blue brand. The likes of Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will appear. There will also be fatal four-way qualifiers for the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. Advertisement In addition to what's already been announced for "SmackDown," there may be a surprise return. Fightful reports that Kiana James is on location in Lexington ahead of Friday's show. It was noted that while James was brought in by WWE, it's unknown if she will be a part of the show. Kiana James hits a move on Natalya during their match on "WWE Raw."(via WWE) James hasn't been inside the ring since the June 17, 2024 episode of "WWE Raw." She participated in an MITB qualifying match against Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega. Sky won the match, but the outcome wasn't the talking point. That's because James suffered a leg injury and was put on the inactive list while she was recovering. Several outlets have reported that WWE officials are high on James. It was said that James impressed those backstage with her brief time on the red brand before her injury. The belief internally is that James has high upside. Advertisement The "SmackDown" brand has been loading up on some fresh talent, such as former international and "NXT" star Giulia. It's also been reported that former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace is expected to join the blue brand at some point. If James ends up making "SmackDown" her home, it would give the show's women's division even more of a boost. Related: 'WWE SmackDown' Preview: John Cena Addresses CM Punk, Jacob Fatu's Face Turn This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Injured Talent Backstage At WWE SmackDown
Is an injured talent ready to make their comeback later tonight on WWE SmackDown? Former NXT Superstar Kiana James was called up to RAW during the 2024 WWE Draft. However, she hasn't been seen since losing a triple threat match to IYO SKY and Zelina Vega on the June 17 episode of RAW. Advertisement It was later revealed that James suffered a knee injury that sidelined her from action for almost a year. However, she might be ready to make her return soon. According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select), Kiana James has been brought to tonight's episode of SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. It's currently unknown if she's planned to appear on tonight's show or not. Stay tuned to WrestleZone for more information on Kiana James' WWE status as it becomes available. WrestleZone will have live coverage of WWE SmackDown later this evening. READ MORE: Report: Kiana James Sidelined With Leg Injury, Expected To Be Out For Several Months Advertisement What do you make of this report? Would you like to see Kiana James appear on tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown? Who would you like to see her feud with upon her return? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Report: Injured Talent Backstage At WWE SmackDown appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Injured WWE Star Is Getting Closer To Making In-Ring Return: 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. After nearly a year on the sidelines due to injury, WWE Raw superstar Kiana James is reportedly approaching her return to in-ring action. James has been out of commission since June 2024, but recent updates suggest her comeback could be imminent. According to WrestleVotes Radio, the outlook for James's return is positive. The report stated that James is close to being able to return to the ring and is expected to receive medical clearance soon, if she hasn't already. This news indicates that the final stages of her recovery from a significant leg injury are underway. The timing of the injury was particularly difficult for James, occurring just one month after she was drafted from NXT to the main roster as part of the April 2024 WWE Draft. This abruptly halted the momentum she was building following her call-up. Her main roster debut match on Raw saw her defeat veteran Natalya on June 3, 2024. Her last televised appearance before the injury was on June 17, 2024, competing in a Money in the Bank qualifying triple threat match against current Women's World Champion Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega. Before her move to Raw, James had established herself as a prominent figure in NXT between 2022 and 2024. After training at the Flatbacks Wrestling school under Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze and signing with WWE, she developed a compelling persona as a sharp, calculating businesswoman focused on assets and acquisitions. Seth Rollins address the WWE Universe during Monday Night RAW at Intrust Bank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas Seth Rollins address the WWE Universe during Monday Night RAW at Intrust Bank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Wichita,Her time in NXT included participation in the inaugural Women's Breakout Tournament and the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Perhaps her most notable NXT storyline involved a complex relationship with Fallon Henley, which transitioned from a bitter feud (centered around James's attempts to acquire Henley's family bar) into an unexpected but successful tag team partnership. This unlikely duo captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship at NXT Vengeance Day in February 2023, holding the titles for 55 days before James eventually reverted to her calculating heel persona. With reports now indicating Kiana James is nearing final medical clearance after her lengthy rehabilitation, her return could add an intriguing dynamic to the WWE Raw women's division in the coming weeks or months. We wish her a speedy recovery. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
