“A lot that I don’t like,” Naomi reacts for the first time after signing a new SmackDown contract after infamously walking out of WWE in 2022

Naomi returned to WWE at Royal Rumble, lasting over an hour in the women's match.

“A lot that I don’t like,” Naomi reacts for the first time after signing a new SmackDown contract after infamously walking out of WWE in 2022

Naomi (via WWE)

Naomi surprised the wrestling community when she returned to WWE at Royal Rumble. The former Women’s Champion entered at #1 and lasted over an hour in the women’s match. On the latest episode of SmackDown, the 36-year-old revealed that she signed an exclusive contract with the Blue brand. Later, she spoke about her signing and return to WWE.

In a backstage interview with Byron Saxton, Naomi claimed it was a special opportunity for her. Moreover, she referred to the moment as the most exciting of her career. The former Knockouts Champion opined on returning to a changed locker room atmosphere, highlighting that there were some stars that she liked and others she didn’t.

YouTube video
To have the opportunity to be back and return in such a way, I’m still on a high about it all. I’m still adjusting because there’s a lot of new faces, a lot that I don’t like, and also a lot that I remember and I do like.
Naomi on signing with SmackDown

The new SmackDown signing sent a message to the division, asserting her claim to win the Women’s Championship soon. All in all, Naomi looks excited and motivated to replicate the success of her first run in WWE. Fans might witness her square off against the likes of Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair, who are among the top stars on the Blue brand.

FS Video

Along with Naomi, Tiffany Stratton from NXT joined the main roster after her Royal Rumble appearance. The pair’s acquisition was announced in a backstage segment. Without a doubt, the new stars will bolster the women’s division on SmackDown. It will be interesting to see how Naomi’s road to WrestleMania plays out.

Why Naomi walked out of WWE in 2022?

On the May 16, 2022 edition of Raw, Women’s Tag Team Champions Naomi and Sasha Banks handed over their belts to then-Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis, and walked out before the show. This came after a dispute over creative differences with Vince McMahon. Later, during the episode, WWE placed the blame on the two talented stars.

Sasha Banks and Naomi
Sasha Banks and Naomi (via WWE)

In a separate interview that year, Naomi claimed it was the lowest point of her life. Furthermore, the 36-year-old revealed she left because of the way she was talked to. In March 2023, she confirmed her WWE departure and, a month later, joined TNA/Impact.

During her one-year stint, Naomi proved why she is one of the best female talents in wrestling. Subsequently, she won the Knockouts Championship and held the title for 182 days. After a successful run in TNA, she made her return to WWE at the Royal Rumble.

In case you missed it: