Kairi Sane struggles with ring rust in WWE at a time when the company is aggressively spotlighting fresh talent at Money in the Bank, marking a moment of transition that affects both established names and rising stars. As new winners Naomi and Seth “Freakin’” Rollins seize the spotlight, Sane’s stumbles have raised questions about her place in the evolving women’s division.
Naomi’s Reinvention Points to a Promising Future
Naomi’s journey with WWE began with her NXT debut in 2010, making her one of the most seasoned veterans among women performers, outlasted in tenure only by Natalya. Her early reputation hinged on flashy neon attire and athleticism, but she struggled to truly break into top-tier status. While she held two brief titles in 2017, her overall impact remained limited.
After returning from a stint in TNA in 2024, Naomi’s WWE performances improved, both in match quality and character development. She dropped her long-running “Feel the Glow” catchphrase and phased out moves that were not resonating with fans, such as her flurry kicks and signature taunts.
In 2025, Naomi undertook a dramatic heel turn rooted in jealousy over Bianca Belair’s connection with Jade Cargil, a storyline that revitalized her character. Claiming she injured Cargil to protect a friendship, Naomi’s intense efforts to keep Belair by her side, and her subsequent spiral into desperation, resonated with the audience. The transformation was symbolized visually with a new caution tape costume, serving as a reminder that Naomi has evolved.
Despite a string of losses to Cargil suggesting otherwise, Naomi’s Money in the Bank victory positions her as a centerpiece of WWE’s women’s division for the foreseeable future. Ownership of the contract ensures her relevance and likely sets the stage for her first world championship in eight years, potentially restoring her to main event status. Until that opportunity comes, reigning competitors like Tiffany Stratton and Iyo Sky have ample reason to take notice of her new presence and competitive heat.
Seth Rollins Emerges as a Dynamic Leader
Seth “Freakin’” Rollins, now leading WWE’s newest headline faction, has come to embody the visionary persona long associated with his in-ring character. Although the group he heads still lacks an official name and his motives remain partially unexplained, they have captured fan interest, and Rollins’s performances as both antagonist and faction head are drawing attention.
His recent Money in the Bank briefcase win further ratifies his place among wrestling’s elite and hints at an impending return to world championship glory. Unlike Naomi, who benefits from added exposure by carrying the briefcase, Rollins is already firmly established as a headliner. His briefcase victory plants expectations of a swift cash-in, likely on Raw’s Gunther-Uso match winner, with speculation swirling around a potential move at Night of Champions. Gunther, after a dominant reign, may be vulnerable, making Rollins’s quest for 2025’s top honors more plausible than ever.
Gunther Seeks Redemption After WrestleMania Defeat
After holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for eight months, Gunther’s powerful reputation was shaken when Jey Uso scored a tap-out win against him at WrestleMania, using Gunther’s own finishing maneuver. The significance of his clean defeat has not been lost on fans, who continue to chant reminders of his setback.
Although Jey Uso’s own spotlight had increased recently, being bested by him was a damaging moment for Gunther. He started to restore his aura by decisively overcoming Pat McAfee at Backlash, but his championship rematch with Uso was critical for his standing. Going into the match, Uso was depicted as physically depleted due to multiple recent confrontations and an injured rib, which gave Gunther an opening. Their showdown focused heavily on sleeper holds—a recurring theme that set up the dramatic conclusion, with Uso passing out in Gunther’s grip.
With his victory, Gunther’s standing as a physically dominant force has been rekindled. Even the looming threat of a Money in the Bank cash-in is unlikely to diminish his aura, as he remains one of WWE’s most imposing presences, comparable to legends like Lesnar in sheer dominance.
Kairi Sane’s Difficult Comeback Raises Concerns
Once elevated to the main roster in 2019, Kairi Sane quickly became a vital utility player, with her partnership alongside Asuka in the Kabuki Warriors yielding the longest title reign in that division’s history. As a key part of Damage CTRL, Sane often operated as a reliable gatekeeper for more prominent stars like Iyo Sky and Bayley, compensating for quieter microphone skills with consistently impressive in-ring work and her standout Insane Elbow finisher.
A hand injury in December forced Sane to step away for several months, coinciding with the dissolution of Damage CTRL. Her momentum suffered as a result. When Sane returned to Raw on May 19, she was brought back with her “Pirate Princess” persona revived from her NXT days. This pirate character, with Sane tossing gold coins to the crowd at ringside, has been criticized as cartoonish—a throwback to early-’90s wrestling gimmicks with questionable appeal, reminiscent of figures like the Berzerker, Repo Man, and Duke ‘the Dumpster’ Droese.
Sane’s performances upon returning have been below her established standard. In her first match back, a serious injury to Zoey Stark led to rumors that Sane’s inexperience, or misplaced timing, may have played a part. She has visibly struggled in subsequent bouts, including a multi-competitor match with Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, and Liv Morgan, where her timing appeared off, forcing awkward pauses and disrupting the flow of the match—particularly during a delayed leap from the top rope while Ripley waited below. This decline in performance is especially concerning for someone once lauded as the division’s most dynamic performer.
Fans and observers are now questioning whether Sane’s current issues are a temporary case of ring rust or the sign of more persistent challenges. With expectations constantly rising in WWE’s women’s division, Sane must improve to reclaim her former status and avoid being overshadowed by the next wave of contenders.
Nikki Bella’s Return and the Challenge of Reinvention
Nikki Bella, active from 2007 to 2019, carved out a significant place in WWE history, overcoming limited initial wrestling skills and often serving alongside her sister Brie as valets to guest celebrities on Raw. Over time, Nikki’s charisma and determination allowed her to gradually elevate her in-ring abilities and become the longest-reigning Divas Champion between 2014 and 2015.
Outside the ring, Nikki was the face of the hit reality series Total Divas, and her real-life romance with John Cena further amplified her public profile. She eventually earned main event billing, facing Ronda Rousey at the first WWE all-women’s Evolution pay-per-view in 2018.
Since her headlining days, Bella’s in-ring appearances have been sporadic, with her most recent surprise return occurring as the 30th entrant in the 2025 Royal Rumble, where she was warmly received by fans. Her latest comeback, timed with a second Evolution event, saw her step into an unfamiliar role as a supportive veteran. Taking an overtly positive approach—shaking hands with up-and-coming wrestlers and offering praise in the ring, though slipping and mispronouncing Stephanie Vaquer’s name—Bella drew only a mild reaction from her hometown audience, who favored Liv Morgan during their segment.
Though Nikki Bella’s legacy as a trailblazer is secure, this new modest persona has not resonated as well as her more assertive, heel-oriented character from the past. Her strengths and reputation suggest that both Bella and WWE should consider a shift in direction should her return continue.
The Road Ahead for WWE’s Women’s Division and Its Stars
As WWE recalibrates its creative focus following Money in the Bank, the emphasis on pushing new talents like Naomi and Rollins underscores the company’s willingness to evolve, even if it means established names face increased scrutiny. The contrast between Naomi’s revitalization and Sane’s ongoing struggles highlights the rapid shifts in expectations within the roster.
For Kairi Sane, the path forward will require overcoming her recent setbacks and adapting to a division that now demands more than ever from its stars. Meanwhile, WWE’s willingness to reward renewed ambition and distinct character work, as seen with Naomi and the continued ascendancy of Rollins, signals a heightened competition for top spots. The next several months will test both old and new contributors as they adjust to a landscape shaped by creative risks, evolving rivalries, and high-profile opportunities.
