WWE: Tatum Paxley Reflects on Making Her Official SmackDown Debut at 8/7 WWE SmackDown Show, Paige Appearance Set for 8/14 WWE SmackDown Show, Backstage Update on Rhea Ripley’s Meniscus Tear Injury & Return Plans

WWE
Aug 8, 2026

Tatum Paxley Reflects on Making Her Official SmackDown Debut at Aug. 7 WWE SmackDown Show

As noted before, Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania featured Tatum Paxley making her official main roster debut for the SmackDown brand. Paxley made a surprise appearance and her and a returning Alexa Bliss helped Charlotte Flair deal with The Baddies during her match against Jade Cargill.

Following the show, Paxley reflected on Twitter about her making her official SmackDown debut and pairing up with Flair and Bliss.

“I LOVE MY NEW FRIENDS”

Paige Appearance Set for Aug. 14 WWE SmackDown Show

Paige announced earlier today on Twitter that she will be making an appearance at next week’s WWE SmackDown show on August 14 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Paige responded to a promo video from Nikki Bella that had aired during Friday’s WWE SmackDown show. During the video, Bella blamed Paige for losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship and it was her fault why her sister Brie is injured. Bella also claimed that she revitalized Paige’s career and promised to make Paige’s life a living hell.

“I saved your ass from getting pinned twice at summerslam.. I’m also the one who WON those championships. I’ll be back next week. You haven’t seen anything yet babe.”

Current card for August 14th WWE SmackDown show:

  • WWE United States Championship – Carmelo Hayes vs. Baron Corbin (c)
  • WWE Women’s United States Championship – Jacy Jayne vs. Tiffany Stratton (c)
  • WWE Tag Team Championship – War Raiders (Ivar & Erik) vs. The MFTs (Tama Tonga & Talla Tonga) vs. R-Truth & Damian Priest (c)
  • Paige to appear

Backstage Update on Rhea Ripley’s Meniscus Tear Injury & Return Plans

As noted before, WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley has been out of action for WWE since this past May’s Clash In Italy event due to a meniscus tear injury & surgery. Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was notable for Chelsea Green being introduced as the new WWE Women’s Champion and not by her Interim tag after she had won the Interim title in a Ladder match at last Sunday’s SummerSlam 2026 Night 2 event.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that WWE officials are currently hopeful that Ripley will be able to return back in time for next year’s Royal Rumble event following her recent surgery.

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