10 Fascinating WWE SummerSlam 2016 Facts
6. Nikki Bella Replaced The Suspended Eva Marie
Nikki Bella made a surprise return at SummerSlam 2016, after undergoing neck surgery the previous fall, missing close to one year. She teamed with Natalya and Alexa Bliss in a victory over Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Carmella. Nikki's return (which is what reportedly bumped Cesaro/Sheamus to the pre-show, as the comeback was seen as a big deal in WWE's eyes) was as a fill-in for the absent Eva Marie.
Though Eva Marie's absence was explained away through her "too good to be bothered with this stuff" gimmick, in reality she was suspended for violating WWE's Wellness Policy. She claimed the red flagged substance was Adderall, which she said she had a prescription for.
Eva Marie's husband Jonathan Coyle publicly lambasted WWE for suspending her, calling it "unjust". She has not appeared since the suspension, and has apparently been on the outs with the company for some time.