Eva Marie didn’t wrestle as advertised on WWE Raw, Piper Niven makes main roster debut

Eva Marie made her return to WWE Raw but she did not wrestle Naomi as advertised.

Instead, Marie’s “muscle” Piper Niven wrestled the match as the announcers acted like they didn’t know her identity, despite the fact that she’s been wrestling on NXT UK.

Niven quickly defeated Naomi and then Marie announced herself as the winner of the match. It’s not clear if Niven will use the name she’s been using on NXT UK because the announcers kept wondering about her identity.

WWE appears to be doing a slow burn for Marie’s actual in-ring return. She’s been training at the Performance Center for the last few months.

This was Marie’s first arena appearance for WWE since she left in late 2017 to pursue outside endeavors.

THE EVA-LUTION HAS ARRIVED … but @natalieevamarie isn't alone! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/PZJ8t66RQW

— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2021

HERE IS YOUR WINNER…#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Rbv4vaMpcX

— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2021

Apparently your winner of this match is … @natalieevamarie?! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/GT1QYXv4KP

— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2021