Major WWE SmackDown star gaining backstage praise following debut - Reports

The WWE SmackDown roster is stacked going into the end of the year. The blue brand features seasoned superstars such as Cody Rhodes, Bayley, and Shinsuke Nakamura, along with rising stars like Tiffany Stratton, Solo Sikoa, and Jade Cargill. A familiar face is having somewhat of a reboot, and now backstage sources are revealing the scoop behind the sudden push.

Briana Brandy joined World Wrestling Entertainment in August 2019 after working a 2017 tryout. After debuting that December, the hip-hop artist was re-packaged in May 2021 as a member of NXT's Hit Row faction. WWE released B-Fab due to budget cuts shortly after Hit Row's SmackDown call-up, then the other members were cut two weeks later. The Ohio native was among those brought back in August 2022, and she has been there ever since, most recently managing The Street Profits.

The Vibe's only in-ring action of 2024 until earlier this month was a RAW Battle Royal in late February. B-Fab then made a surprise ring return at the November 3 non-televised live event in Dublin, teaming with Michin to defeat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. It's now clear that this was the beginning of a sort of reboot for B-Fab. She worked the same tag team match on all four tour nights, then competed in the tournament to crown the inaugural WWE Women's United States Champion.

Last week's SmackDown saw B-Fab and Candice LeRae come up short against Bayley in a Triple Threat to kick the tournament off. She was also featured in a backstage segment. A new report from Fightful Select reveals how the former Hit Row member is receiving praise backstage, noting that several talents and staff were watching last week's SmackDown Triple Threat while at the Gorilla Position and elsewhere backstage.

WWE booked B-Fab in the aforementioned tag team matches with Michin due to her request, and word is that she did well enough to receive more on-screen opportunities. One WWE Producer who remained anonymous had major praise for B-Fab. They made the case for why the 33-year-old deserves the increased opportunities.

"Her initiative goes a long way. She's been called up, released, brought back, put with a different group. She's going above and beyond to make herself as available, useful and versatile as she can and always has a good attitude," said the anonymous producer.

B-Fab has gained an internal reputation for being one that works hard to improve. She was also described as being more anxious to wrestle. Natalya and Tyson Kidd have worked closely with the rising star as of late, and she has become one of their most frequent visitors at The New Hart Dungeon.

WWE SmackDown double tapings set for Friday

World Wrestling Entertainment will return to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday for a double SmackDown taping. Friday's live episode will be shot, and then next week's Survivor Series go-home episode will be taped.

WWE has announced one match and one segment for Friday's SmackDown. The second bout of the tournament to crown the inaugural Women's United States Champion will feature Chelsea Green, Bianca Belair, and Blair Davenport. The winner will face Bayley in the semi-finals.

Officials also announced a face-off between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens for Friday night. KO and the Undisputed WWE Champion are rumored to wrestle at Survivor Series.