After more than a year away from the ring, WWE Superstar Kiana James made her return on Friday. James resurfaced during the July 18 episode of WWE SmackDown.
A Return From Injury
James was spotted in a backstage segment during Friday’s SmackDown, seen in the background talking with the new Women’s United States Champion, Giulia. The brief but notable appearance took place during a segment involving the tag team of Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.
Earlier in the night, before SmackDown went on the air, James made her official in-ring return in a match against Michin that is scheduled to air on an upcoming episode of WWE Main Event. This was reportedly James’ first match since June 2024, ending her long hiatus due to a significant leg injury.
An Interrupted Main Roster Run
James was called up to the main roster as part of the 2024 WWE Draft, where she was assigned to the Raw brand. However, her main roster career was put on hold almost immediately, as she competed in only a couple of matches before the injury sidelined her for an extended period.
Prior to her main roster call-up, James was a prominent figure in NXT. She is a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and was involved in high-profile feuds with top stars on the brand, including former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria and WWE Hall of Famer Becky Lynch.
Kiana James’ backstage conversation with United States Champion Giulia could signal her first major storyline on the main roster. Giulia won the newly-created title from Zelina Vega last month on the SmackDown before Night of Champions. She recently competed in a battle royal at the Evolution event, which was won by Stephanie Vaquer. Vaquer will now go on to challenge for the Women’s World Championship next month in Paris. Click here for complete WWE SmackDown results.
Oooh @kianajames_wwe is back! #WWEMainEvent #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/oDXrDwFuZq
— Ralph Manalo (@RJPManaloART) July 18, 2025
GIULIA AND KIANA JAMES WAIT#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/QPdk88unFm
— ᴍʏᴀ ꨄ (@belairestt) July 19, 2025
