Kiana James delivered an impressive near-30-minute performance in the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match, but fans should not expect a major change in her career trajectory on SmackDown anytime soon. Despite her endurance during the event, reports indicate that WWE has no substantial creative plan to elevate her status in the near future.
During a recent Fightful Select Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp explained that the SmackDown roster currently lacks a cohesive direction outside of the Undisputed WWE Title storyline. As a result, many wrestlers, including Kiana James, are subject to week-to-week creative decisions rather than long-term booking strategies.
This assessment was clarified to reflect the overall booking situation and not Kiana James’ individual talent or potential. Even after her strong showing at the Royal Rumble, there is no clear sign that WWE plans to give her a significant push moving forward within the division.
WWE Gains Extension in Dispute Over ESPN Streaming Transition
WWE recently obtained a short extension in a class action lawsuit concerning its controversial move of Premium Live Events from Peacock to ESPN’s streaming service. On February 9, a federal court in Connecticut approved WWE’s request to delay their official response until April 13, 2026, according to reports from PWInsider.
The lawsuit, filed by plaintiffs Michael Diesa of New Jersey and Rebecca Tobak of New York, challenges WWE’s handling of the $1.6 billion contract transfer that shifted events like Wrestlepalooza 2025 to ESPN. Fans allege they were misled to believe that existing ESPN cable or satellite subscriptions would cover access to these pay-per-view events, only to find out that an additional $29.99 monthly fee for the ESPN standalone app was required.
The complaint highlights several key points of contention:
The suit cites a joint WWE-ESPN press release from August 6, 2025, that assured fans of access
“whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package.”
It also references WWE President Nick Khan’s statement on a podcast promising fans major events such as WrestleMania and Royal Rumble with “no upcharge.”
However, access varied depending on the customer’s provider due to behind-the-scenes deals between Disney and carriers. Consumers using DirecTV and Spectrum gained immediate access, but customers of YouTube TV and Xfinity were left unable to stream the events without paying extra, forcing many to pay twice for the same content.
An important legal strategy in the filing is the exclusion of ESPN and Disney as defendants, a move aimed at avoiding Disney’s mandatory arbitration clauses that block class action involvement. By focusing solely on WWE’s promotional role, plaintiffs hope to keep the case before a jury.
The class proposed in the lawsuit covers all U.S. customers who paid for the ESPN app between August 6 and September 20, 2025, while already holding an ESPN subscription from another provider. If the lawsuit succeeds, it seeks damages and a court mandate to stop WWE’s allegedly “unfair and deceptive” marketing practices.
Legal Battle Highlights Larger Concerns About WWE’s Streaming Changes
This ongoing lawsuit underscores the tensions created by WWE’s switch from Peacock to ESPN for its Premium Live Events, creating frustration among fans and customers over confusing and inconsistent access policies. The court’s extension gives WWE additional time to prepare its response, but the case remains a significant challenge for the company’s handling of its broadcasting rights and customer relations.
Meanwhile, the creative uncertainty on SmackDown, as seen in Kiana James’ situation, reflects broader difficulties in WWE’s long-term planning outside marquee storylines. As both the legal and creative scenarios develop, WWE faces pressure to manage fan expectations on multiple fronts in the coming months.
