Ex-Champion Wins First WWE Match In 480 days On SmackDown
A former champion has finally tasted victory in WWE after almost 15 months.
Kiana James spent nearly two years in NXT, during which she held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship, before moving to the main roster in 2024.
The 28-year-old, who was drafted to RAW, defeated Natalya in her first match on the red brand on June 3, 2024. It was her final WWE victory until tonight’s SmackDown episode.
On June 17, 2024, James competed in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifying match against Zelina Vega and IYO SKY. Nevertheless, she failed to win as The Genius of the SKY emerged victorious.
What Happened On Tonight’s WWE SmackDown Episode?
After almost a year of absence due to injury, Kiana James returned on SmackDown a few weeks ago to align herself with the Women’s United States Champion, Guilia. Meanwhile, she made her in-ring return against Michin on Main Event. She suffered defeat in her first match back.
The former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion squared off with Michin again on the August 29 episode of SmackDown, but lost to the former O.C. member once more.
Keep your head on a swivel, Giulia…
You can’t keep Michin down for long! 😤@MiaYimpic.twitter.com/p4HwNl63uE
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Tonight, the 28-year-old star teamed up with the Women’s United States Champion against Michin and B-Fab in a tag team match. Finally, James scored a victory after 480 days as her tag team partner pinned Michin for the win.
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