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Missing WWE Star Given Brand New Role On SmackDown

By Lyle Kilbane • Published Jul 26, 2025 07:10 EDT
WWE Logo Blur Kiana James

One WWE star who was missing for well over a year has returned to TV and now has a whole new role next to a current champion.

For the first time in 398 days, Kiana James recently wrestled Michin at the Frost Back Center in San Antonio, Texas, on WWE Main Event, which will be aired at a later date.

James had been out of action since suffering an injury in June last year. It was later revealed that she had sustained a torn ACL. The former NXT tag team champion was last seen in action on June 17, 2024, during a triple threat Money in the Bank qualifying match on Raw against Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega. That was only James’ second match on Raw following her move to WWE’s main roster.

But now, Kiana James is on SmackDown with a whole new role.

Kiana James Representing WWE Champion

The July 25th edition of SmackDown saw Kiana James back on TV in a backstage segment. Zelina Vega confronted WWE Women’s US Champion Giulia before she was cut off by Giulia’s new “official representation”, who just so happened to be Kiana James.

Vega dismissed James as a “clipboard Karen” and wanted to talk to Giulia about a rematch for the title. James informed Vega she had already discussed the issue with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and confirmed a title match would take place on the final SmackDown before SummerSlam.

SmackDown also saw the company pay tribute to Hulk Hogan following the wrestling icon’s death at the age of 71.