Naomi expected to return to WWE

As her WWE tag team partner prepares to make an expected return to the wrestling stage on Wednesday in Japan, Naomi’s future is also getting some clarity: a return to WWE.

Our Bryan Alvarez reported on Tuesday’s Wrestling Observer Live that his impression is that Naomi would be returning to the company and will not be joining NJPW along with Sasha Banks.

“My belief is she will be returning to WWE, because she will almost certainly be returning to WWE,” he said. He did not give any return date or timeline.

Banks is expected to appear at tonight’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. Naomi is also reportedly in the country, as is WWE star Bayley, in a show of support for Banks.

Then the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Banks and Naomi walked out prior to an episode of WWE Raw in May 2022 due to issues with their creative direction. Their status and potential return to WWE has been a discussion point throughout the year, increasing after Vince McMahon resigned and Paul Levesque took over as head of creative as part of the new regime this summer.

In early-December, it was reported that NJPW was bringing Banks in for Wrestle Kingdom 17 but that the arrangement wasn’t done through WWE. It’s believed she is currently a free agent.