Triple H's brash NXT call-up opportunity might have been wasted on 27-year-old WWE star

The WWE Draft 2024 conjured up some exciting moves that have helped shape the roster under Triple H's tutelage. There were several eye-catching moves, with Carmelo Hayes arriving on SmackDown, Bron Breakker moving to RAW, and Damage CTRL heading to the red brand. Another one of their draftees looked set to have a promising start to their main roster career, but that hasn't been the case.

Kiana James was one of NXT's brightest talents during her time in developmental, impressing everyone with her in-ring abilities. She was handed a businesswoman gimmick that she did her best to make work.

When the Iowa-born star was drafted to WWE RAW, she looked to be an intriguing call-up. She started making backstage appearances with RAW General Manager Adam Pearce, leading many to ponder a potential storyline between the pair.

That wasn't seemingly the case, however, as her backstage meetings with Adam Pearce were just that. She made her in-ring debut on the red brand on June 3 and beat veteran Natalya. That would be one of just two matches she's participated in since being called up.

Triple H has often succeeded in calling up talent from NXT, as evident with Tiffany Stratton. The former NXT Women's Champion is the current Miss Money in the Bank holder.

However, Kiana James doesn't fall into that category, and her call-up has been seemingly wasted. She looks like she lacks direction on the main roster and is, unfortunately, getting lost in the shuffle.

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Triple H didn't need to call Kiana James up to WWE RAW

Kiana James was still a valuable member of NXT's women's roster when she earned her call-up to WWE RAW. That's not to say she didn't deserve the promotion, but it has come in vain for the former NXT Tag Team Champion.

Fightful Select's Corey Brennan reported that James was 'genuinely surprised by her call-up.' She wasn't told she would be a draftee, which is why she became so emotional in the Performance Center when her name was read live.

Triple H's decision to call her up feels rushed, and lack of long-term planning has hindered her progression. If she had stayed in WWE NXT, she could have challenged for either Roxanne Perez's NXT Women's Championship or Kehlani Jordan's NXT North American Women's Championship.

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The businesswoman gimmick should be ditched for a new character

Kiana James has spent most of her WWE career carrying around a purse and strutting around backstage and in the ring. Her businesswoman gimmick has followed her from NXT to Monday nights, but it's done her little favor away from the often gimmick-frenzy developmental. Triple H may need to decide whether she needs a new personality to connect more with fans.

Triple H could consider switching the gimmick, as it's not working out currently. There are already many Karen-like characters on the main roster, namely Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton.

The problem with changing Kiana James' character is that fans haven't been introduced to her current gimmick well enough on WWE RAW. She could appear next time on the red brand with a new look and persona, and fans may be confused.

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"Gets better and better" - Shawn Michaels backed James to impress on WWE RAW

After being drafted, Kiana James had the backing of WWE's Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, Shawn Michaels. NXT's Head Booker worked closely with the WWE RAW star during her developmental period.

Shawn Michaels wrote a glowing review of Kiana James when she headed up to the main roster. He stated on X/Twitter:

"Every time she steps between those ropes (Kiana James) gets better and better. She knows how good she is, and now she gets to show how good she is every Monday Night."

Kiana James has time on her side as she's at the very start of her career on the main roster. That said, she is one of the only NXT call-ups who hasn't been showcased by Triple H since arriving on WWE RAW or SmackDown in April.