Latest news with #Women'sIronSurvivorChallenge
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.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Breaks Silence On Departure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Earlier this year, a wave of talent releases swept through WWE, impacting several well-known performers, including Giovanni Vinci, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Isla Dawn, Cedric Alexander, the formidable tag team AOP (Akam and Rezar,) along with their manager Paul Ellering, and the promising Blair Davenport. For Davenport, this news came after a relatively brief but noteworthy stint with the company. Recently, Davenport addressed her departure from WWE during a candid livestream, offering her perspective on the situation with a mature and positive outlook. Bea Priestly (Blair Davenport) briefly speaks on her release from WWE and praises Lyra, Cora, Roxanne, Tiffany, and Giulia — FemmesWrestle⚠️ (@FemmesWrestle) April 22, 2025 When asked about the reasons behind her release, Davenport offered a straightforward explanation, stating, "Because I was part of a big release. I think it was just budget cuts to make up for their contracts. I don't have any negative feelings or anything like that. It's just the job and the business. That's the way it goes, really." Looking ahead, Davenport expressed an optimistic view of her future endeavors. "I'm excited for what's coming in the future, I'm excited to kind of get back to my roots a little bit, and do my own thing again. I did love doing stuff in Japan and the UK. I'm excited to do the Indies in America because I've never actually done the indies here at all. So yes, I'm excited for the future." Davenport concluded her remarks by reassuring her fans and expressing goodwill towards her former colleagues, stating, "Don't be upset for me, it's fine. It's the job, it's the way it goes. I'm happy for all my friends who are still there." The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreMore news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Davenport initially captured the attention of the WWE Universe during her time in NXT UK, showcasing a compelling blend of intensity and in-ring prowess. Her talent led to a transition to the main NXT brand in America, where she achieved the milestone by winning the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge in 2023. This victory positioned her for a bright future within WWE. The following year, in the 2024 draft, Davenport was called up to the main roster, making her debut on SmackDown in June. However, despite this promising start and the anticipation surrounding her arrival on the blue brand, Davenport's main roster run proved to be disappointingly short and characterized by limited opportunities. She made only a handful of television appearances, with her most notable involvement being in the tournament to crown the inaugural Women's United States Champion. Unfortunately, her journey in this tournament was cut short with a first-round elimination. Her final match under the WWE banner took place in November 2024. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
