WWE fans are buzzing after Natalya appeared post-match on RAW with her arm in a sling, sparking injury concerns, while basketball star Kalani Brown has revealed WWE’s interest in recruiting her. Meanwhile, NXT Heatwave’s lineup has been updated and Joe Hendry has made his return to WWE’s NXT brand.
On the August 18, 2025 episode of WWE RAW, Natalya battled Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a hard-fought contest. Lynch successfully defended her title by making Natalya submit to the Dis-Arm-Her, but the match ended with a disturbing moment as Lynch slammed Natalya into the ring post, seemingly injuring her left arm during the encounter. While no official word has come from WWE regarding the severity of the injury, a photo surfaced on August 19 showing Natalya wearing a sling at the Cauliflower Alley Club event, stoking speculation about the legitimacy of her condition[1][4].
The image, shared by DS from the “Ring the Belle” podcast, offers a rare backstage glimpse of Natalya quietly nursing her arm—raising questions if this is part of storyline or a true physical setback[5]. Natalya, a veteran of WWE with decades of in-ring experience, recently also competed internationally at Triplemania XXXIII, indicating her active wrestling schedule[1]. Fightful sources note that there has been no official medical update yet, so WWE fans and insiders await further news on whether Natalya will be out of action[1][3].
On a different note, WWE’s talent recruitment efforts have taken an interesting turn as Kalani Brown, a five-season WNBA player for the Phoenix Mercury, revealed on social media a surprising message from WWE’s Talent ID and Recruitment Division. Brown posted a screenshot of a message from the WWE Recruit account identifying her as “a potential great fit for the brand” and asking about her interest in a WWE tryout. This marks one of the higher-profile recruitment pursuits WWE has made recently outside traditional wrestling circles, highlighting the company’s ongoing search for fresh, athletically diverse talent to bolster their rosters[5].
Kalani Brown’s background in professional sports undoubtedly gives her an athletic foundation that WWE values. With her size, strength, and competitive experience, she could fit well into WWE’s evolving Women’s Division landscape. Sources close to WWE reveal that talent scouts have been actively expanding their pool and exploring athletes from various sports, including basketball, football, and MMA, to help refresh WWE’s roster moving forward[5].
In NXT news, the upcoming NXT Heatwave special event has seen updates to its match card this week. Notably, Josh Briggs secured a victory over Yoshiki Inamura in a Philadelphia Street Fight, showcasing the high-octane action fans expect from WWE’s developmental brand. The Heatwave lineup is shaping up to feature a mix of grizzled veterans and rising stars, promising exciting clashes that could have lasting effects on NXT’s rankings and storylines[5].
Additionally, Joe Hendry has officially returned to NXT after some time away from WWE television. Hendry, known for his charismatic promos and versatile wrestling style, is poised to make an impact in NXT’s competitive environment. Insider reports suggest that Hendry’s return could signal fresh angles and renewed momentum for NXT’s mid-card scene[5].
In summary, WWE is navigating an intriguing week with potential injury setbacks for a beloved star, expansion efforts in talent recruitment that might include a top WNBA athlete, and invigorated activity in NXT as the brand prepares for their Heatwave event. Fans should monitor upcoming WWE programming and official announcements for further clarity on Natalya’s condition and how Kalani Brown’s recruitment might unfold.
Backstage Insight: According to a WWE insider close to talent development, “WWE is always looking to diversify its roster with exceptional athletes. Kalani’s name has been on their radar for months, and this outreach is a sign they’re serious about bringing in new faces from different sports backgrounds. Natalya’s injury is being assessed carefully; WWE wants to ensure her long-term health before making any public statements.”
This mixture of real-life injury concerns, breakout athlete recruitment, and brand-building through NXT events continues to keep WWE’s storylines and business evolving as they head into the fall season. Stay tuned for updates as WWE rolls into more exciting programming ahead.