Nikkita Lyons is not expected to join WWE’s main roster anytime soon, according to a new update that pushes back on earlier speculation. While there had been talk of a possible move to RAW this summer, the latest report suggests those plans are not currently in place.

Cory Hays of False Finish provided an update on Lyons’ status, noting that WWE officials remain pleased with her performances since returning from injury. However, despite that positive feedback, there are no immediate plans to move her to the main roster. Instead, Lyons is set to continue working within WWE’s developmental system.

“False Finish has learned that WWE officials have been impressed with the work of Nikkita Lyons since her return from injury. However, Lyons is not expected to be headed to the main roster in the foreseeable future. Lyons will continue working in both EVOLVE and NXT.”

This update contrasts with a previous report from TRNBCKL, which suggested that Lyons could be added to the Monday Night RAW roster in the coming months. The new information indicates that such a move is not imminent, shifting expectations around her short-term future.

Lyons first signed with WWE in 2021 and debuted later that year after spending time with Women of Wrestling, where she performed as Faith the Lioness. Since then, she has been featured primarily in NXT, while also appearing in other WWE programming.

Her most recent televised match saw her team with Zaria in tag team action. The duo came up short against Tatum Paxley and Lizzy Rain after Zaria walked out during the match, leaving Lyons at a disadvantage.

Outside of television, Lyons has remained active. She has competed at NXT live events and appeared on WWE Main Event. She was also part of Season 3 of WWE LFG, adding to her recent activity while continuing to build momentum.

For now, Lyons’ focus remains on NXT and EVOLVE as WWE continues to monitor her progress following her return.

Nikkita Lyons Main Roster Call-Up Plans Clarified After Conflicting Reports

AdvertisementAdvertisement

WWE SmackDown will go back to a two-hour format at the end of June, confirming a planned change tied to its current broadcast agreement. The update was shared by Dave Meltzer during Wrestling Observer Radio, where he explained that the three-hour format is only temporary.

According to Meltzer, the June 26 episode will be the final SmackDown airing under the three-hour structure. After that date, the show will shift back to its traditional two-hour runtime. This move is part of a six-month rotation built into the deal, where the extended format runs for part of the year before reverting.

The current version of SmackDown airs from 8 PM to 11 PM EST. Once the change takes effect, it will return to a two-hour window from 8 PM to 10 PM EST. This adjustment also affects the programming that follows the show.

“Everything On The Menu With Braun Strowman,” which currently airs at 11 PM EST, will move up to 10 PM EST once SmackDown shortens. The show recently debuted with a preview episode, while its official launch is scheduled for this Friday.

Meltzer explained how the timing of the new series created some confusion about scheduling.

“We’ve got three hours until the end of the month, June 26 is the last three-hour show. Originally, I was told six months, January through July, and the idea was that would be it for the whole five-year deal: six months on, six months off. But then they announced the Braun Strowman show. They previewed it last week, and even though the first episode has already aired, the official start is this coming Friday. So I figured, okay, it’ll be at 10, but it’s going to be at 11 for this first month. Why debut a new series at 11? It’s fine, honestly. It’s got a SmackDown lead-in, it’s the hottest show on the whole station, so it’s in the most advantageous slot either way. It would obviously do better at 10 than 11, but the contract is six months on, six months off. So through June 26, the three hours is tough.”

WWE moved SmackDown to USA Network in 2024 as part of its updated media rights deal. The rotating schedule allows flexibility in programming while keeping SmackDown in a prime position on Friday nights.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Sol Ruca has addressed the criticism she receives online, explaining that she focuses more on the reactions from live crowds and feedback from within WWE rather than negative comments on social media.

Speaking during a WWE Now interview after Clash in Italy, Ruca discussed how her transition to a bigger stage has brought increased attention. She competed against Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at the Premium Live Event, which placed her under a brighter spotlight.

Ruca admitted that dealing with online negativity has been a learning process, especially as her visibility has grown beyond NXT.

“100 percent, even in NXT, we get people that are, you know, watching every move and we get people that are, you know, leaving hate comments and all this negativity, and essentially being up on the main roster, you have more eyes, which means more hate, but also means more love. So it is something that I’ve had to kind of navigate because I wasn’t really, it wasn’t something that I thought of when I got signed that it was going to be like, oh, this means that there’s going to be more eyes or more people, you know, trying to nitpick everything.”

She made it clear that while criticism exists, it does not define her perspective. Instead, Ruca values the reactions from fans in attendance and the support she receives backstage.

“But at the end of the day, especially with people on social media, that’s such a small percentage of our fan base, and as long as the crowd in person is happy and, you know, everyone backstage is happy with what I do, then that’s fine with me.”

Ruca’s comments highlight the reality many WWE talents face as they move to larger platforms. Increased exposure often brings both praise and criticism. For Ruca, the balance comes from staying focused on the audience in the arena and the opinions that directly impact her work.

Her approach reflects a grounded mindset as she continues to grow her presence on the main roster following her appearance at Clash in Italy.

Sol Ruca Opens Up About Dealing With Online Criticism After Clash in Italy

AdvertisementAdvertisement