After being absent from WWE television for more than a year, Kiana James has returned with a fresh role on SmackDown. Her comeback took place on the July 25th episode of SmackDown, marking her first appearance since suffering a torn ACL last June.
James was seen wrestling Michin on WWE Main Event in San Antonio, Texas, at the Frost Back Center, which was her first match in 398 days. Her injury occurred after only two matches on WWE’s main roster, with her last appearance in a triple threat Money in the Bank qualifying match on Raw against Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega on June 17, 2024.
Stepping into a New Role as WWE Women’s US Champion’s Representative
Returning not just as a competitor but also in a managerial capacity, Kiana James was introduced as the new official representative for WWE Women’s US Champion Giulia. In a backstage segment on SmackDown, James interrupted Zelina Vega’s attempt to negotiate a rematch for Giulia’s title.
Vega criticized James by calling her a “clipboard Karen,” but James quickly took control of the situation by informing Vega that she had already discussed the match with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. James confirmed that a title rematch was scheduled for the final SmackDown before SummerSlam, intensifying the storyline between these women.
WWE Honors Hulk Hogan’s Legacy During the Episode
The same SmackDown episode also paid tribute to the legendary Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71. The company commemorated Hogan’s contributions to professional wrestling, highlighting his status as a longstanding icon in the sport.
Additional Updates on WWE and Wrestling Industry News
Aside from Kiana James’ return, WWE continues to evolve its approach to acquiring new talent, focusing on specific attributes scouts seek when recruiting wrestlers. Meanwhile, TNA leadership faced criticism for their handling of a recent confrontation involving The Undertaker.
Looking ahead to WWE SummerSlam, the company has announced updated match lineups, including a newly added grudge match, and tag teams like Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker have revealed their official team name prior to their big match.
On the broader wrestling scene, one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) top stars had to withdraw from the G1 Climax tournament due to injury, and notable wrestlers such as Chelsea Green have expressed their ongoing ambitions against WWE legends. Additionally, stars like Bryan Danielson and AEW’s Seth Rollins remain focal points in wrestling narratives, with Rollins praised as a standout talent.
What Kiana James’ Return Means for WWE Women’s Division
Kiana James returning to WWE with a new managerial role beside the US Women’s Champion signifies a notable shift in SmackDown’s women’s division dynamics. By aligning herself with Giulia and controlling title rematch negotiations, James has adopted a behind-the-scenes influence that could elevate storylines and rivalries in the coming weeks.
This fresh positioning allows her to maintain visibility while potentially setting up future in-ring contention. As WWE prepares for SummerSlam, James’ integration into SmackDown’s top tier storylines is expected to contribute to a more intense and layered women’s division competitive environment.
