WWE fans were recently met with a mix of buzzworthy updates, including injury concerns surrounding veteran Natalya on Monday Night Raw, fresh recruitment interest in a prominent WNBA star, and the return of Joe Hendry to NXT. Additionally, the full updated lineup for the upcoming NXT Heatwave 2025 event has been confirmed, building even more anticipation for one of WWE’s key summer shows.

Natalya Possibly Injured on Raw

Rumors surfaced after the latest Monday Night Raw broadcast that WWE star Natalya might have sustained an injury during her match. While official details from WWE remain scarce, various wrestling insiders and sources close to the product have noted that Natalya appeared to show signs of discomfort in the ring. According to Fightful, backstage reports are monitoring her condition closely with the hope she will be back soon without any long-term setbacks. WWE.com has yet to release an update on her status, but fans and analysts alike are watching carefully as she remains a significant presence in the women’s division.

WWE Eyes Top WNBA Star Kalani Brown for Recruitment

In a fascinating crossover with professional basketball, WWE has openly expressed interest in WNBA standout Kalani Brown. The athlete herself revealed on Twitter that she had been contacted by WWE’s Talent ID and Recruitment Division, which described her as “a potential great fit for the brand.” This message ignited conversations about WWE’s continued strategy to attract high-caliber athletes from other sports to expand its roster with diverse talent. Sources close to WWE told Wrestling Headlines that Brown’s unique combination of size, athleticism, and charisma aligns with WWE’s vision of offering fresh stars who can make an immediate impact inside the squared circle. Although discussions are reportedly in early stages, Brown’s potential signing would join a long list of NBA and WNBA athletes drawn to the wrestling world.

Joe Hendry Returns to NXT

After a stint away from WWE’s development brand, Joe Hendry is making his official return to NXT. Hendry, known for his charismatic mic skills and technical prowess, has been involved in promotions such as Impact Wrestling, but recent NXT tapings confirmed his backstage agreement to rejoin WWE’s NXT roster. WWE sources reveal that Hendry will be positioned as a mid-card player initially, with plans to elevate him over time through high-profile feuds and matches. His presence is expected to add depth to NXT’s singles and tag team divisions. Commentary on WWE podcasts praises the decision, noting Hendry’s experience and fan connection as strengths that could flourish in WWE’s developmental environment.

Updated WWE NXT Heatwave 2025 Lineup

NXT Heatwave 2025, scheduled for August 24 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Massachusetts, promises to be one of the most exciting NXT events this year. The event will also mark the first time Heatwave is broadcast on Netflix and features talent from WWE’s partner promotion, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

The latest card announced includes:

• Mixed Tag Team Match: Ethan Page & Chelsea Green vs. Tavion Heights & Tyra Mae Steele
• NXT Championship #1 Contender Match: Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans
• Triple Threat Match for the #1 Contender Spot for the NXT Women’s Championship: Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Lola Vice
• TNA World Championship and NXT Women’s Championship Winner-Takes-All storyline continuing with Jacy Jayne defending against challenging forces from both brands

NXT Women’s Champion Jacey Jane will be the centerpiece in the ongoing feud involving Fatal Influence and TNA contenders Lash Legend and Jaida Parker. Events on recent NXT episodes have seen fierce brawls and shifting alliances, building momentum towards Heatwave. According to WWE.com and Ringside News, the match card balances veteran talent with emerging stars nicely, ensuring fan engagement and storyline progression.

Additional Notes on NXT and WWE

• The NXT North American Championship remains a highlight with Ethan Page defending against promising contenders.
• WWE’s interest in recruiting athletes from other sports, particularly women’s basketball, suggests a strategic push to broaden the brand’s reach while continuously refreshing the roster’s dynamics.

Backstage Insights

According to a WWE insider speaking with Wrestling Headlines, “The company is consciously scouting athletes who not only have physical prowess but also the ability to connect with the WWE audience. Natalya’s injury is being treated with the utmost priority, but there’s plenty of excitement about new signings like Kalani Brown.” Sources close to NXT also expressed optimism about Joe Hendry’s return as a boost to the brand’s competitive landscape.

With so many developments—from injury concerns over a veteran star, a potential basketball-to-wrestling transition, to highly anticipated matchups at Heatwave—WWE continues to captivate fans while aggressively evolving its talent pool. Keep watching WWE.com and trusted wrestling news outlets for ongoing updates leading to NXT Heatwave 2025, a marquee event setting the stage for WWE’s coming months.