Tonight’s WWE SmackDown confirmed several matches for SummerSlam and included some unexpected events. However, one of the biggest shocks occurred before the show even began. In fact, during the Main Event recording prior to SmackDown, a superstar who has been out with an injury for over a year returned to action! This was surprising because they also appeared during a segment on SmackDown itself, although they were not previously associated with that brand.
Prior to the commencement of SmackDown, WWE had already recorded an episode of Main Event. This special episode showcased Kiana James, a former Monday Night Raw superstar, making her comeback after more than a year. Facing Michin in her return bout, James’ story didn’t end there.
Oooh @kianajames_wwe is back! #WWEMainEvent #SmackDown
— Ralph Manalo (@RJPManaloART) July 18, 2025
During SmackDown, there was a backstage scene with Alexa Bliss, and during this conversation, two individuals were seen in the background chatting and moving past. It later became clear that these were James and the current Women’s United States Champion, Giulia. This encounter might suggest that James is planning to join forces with SmackDown’s latest powerhouse. We’ll have to stay tuned to see how this relationship unfolds, but considering that Talla Tonga (Hikuleo) made her debut in a dark match prior to SmackDown and then appeared at the following premium live event, it’s possible that James could make a significant impact on SmackDown quite quickly.
Giulia and Kiana James in the background.
#SmackDown
— Roman Reigns SZN (@reigns_era) July 19, 2025
Initially selected for Monday Night Raw during the 2024 WWE Draft, James made her debut there with a victory against Natalya. Later, she participated in a qualifying match for Money in the Bank against Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega, but an unfortunate knee injury kept her out of action since then. She shared updates on her recovery and rehabilitation process in April, and now she’s back and eager to leave her mark on the Women’s Division once more – a development that’s truly exciting!
Previously thriving in NXT after just two years, James was then transferred to Raw. During her tenure in NXT, she excelled as a villain, and it appears that she will continue to play this role upon her return to television. Although Giulia isn’t an unadulterated heel now, her recent actions suggest she leans more towards the villainous side rather than the heroic one, which could make for an excellent collaboration if this is indeed the start of a partnership between them.
I’m eagerly anticipating Kiana’s grand comeback on SmackDown soon, as her presence is bound to spark some intriguing rivalries. If they choose to form an alliance, it could open up exciting opportunities for Giulia in the singles scene and also let them explore tag team competitions. With Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair remaining popular favorites for a while, this collaboration could prove to be a fascinating blend of talent. Let’s see how things unfold in the days to come!
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2025-07-19 07:09