Former champion to return after 72 days at NXT Great American Bash? Analyzing potential surprise

Several WWE stars are currently absent or on hiatus for several reasons. We could see one of them finally return at the upcoming NXT Great American Bash special episode in a few weeks. If this is the case, then the brand's Women's Champion should certainly look out.

The July 30, 2024, episode of the Tuesday show will be quite special as it will kickstart the two-episode NXT Great American Bash with the second episode on August 6. As of this writing, only Roxanne Perez vs. Thea Hail for the Women's Championship has been announced. However, another female star who could make their presence known during the title match is Cora Jade.

The former Women's Tag Team Champion suffered an injury at a January 12, 2024, house show. On May 19, 2024, during another house show, she made an appearance to announce she would be back in a few months to challenge Perez, her former friend. Due to their personal history and endless taunting on social media from the champion, Jade could finally get back against Roxanne.

It had previously been reported that Cora could be out of action for seven to eight months, but her social media posts have shown her recovering well. She even posted a video where she lifted 155 lbs six months into her injury. From the looks of it, she could be capable of getting involved in some capacity.

Even if Jade is not cleared to wrestle, she could play a similar role that CM Punk has against Drew McIntyre, where she could disrupt Roxanne during her matches to ready their feud once Cora is ready. Rhea Ripley has also reportedly not yet been cleared for an in-ring return but has already returned to RAW for appearances.

---

What is Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez's relationship like outside WWE NXT?

Although the former Women's Tag Team Champions have hated each other since they separated, especially after Jade's betrayal, their relationship off-screen is much different.

Despite their on-screen dislike for each other, Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez are close friends in real life. In January, the injured NXT star shared a photo of CM Punk and Roxanne spending time with her while injured. Roxanne later quote-tweeted the post by saying Jade was her "frenemie."

Due to the history between the two women, fans will be in for a personal and heated feud once the Superstars finally engage in their rivalry.