Backstage Update On WWE's Plans For Mia Yim's Scrapped SmackDown Debut

Here's how the former Reckoning's SmackDown debut would have played out.

Mia Yim
WWE

Mia Yim's scrapped WWE SmackDown debut was supposed to kickstart a feud with Carmella, reports Fightful Select.

The story corroborates Ringside News' original report that Yim's planned debut was pulled from last week's SD due to time constraints. Fightful note that the former Reckoning would have jumped into a storyline with Carmella, though their time was cut as WWE made room for more classic content on the special Throwback episode.

On top of this, time was added to Roman Reigns' ongoing storyline, which was developed through multiple segments featuring The Usos, Paul Heyman, Cesaro, and more. There's no word on whether or not this ate into the time previously allocated to Carmella and Yim.

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Carmella wrestled Ruby Riott on the show, defeating her in just over two minutes.

Yim's role as RETRIBUTION's Reckoning effectively saw her become a non-wrestler. She has worked just four matches since August 2020, the last of which went down in December, and was primarily used as a peripheral figure in the group. January saw the former NXT wrestler confirm she had tested positive for COVID-19.

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Fastlane 2021 brought Yim's last onscreen appearance, as she walked out on Mustafa Ali in RETRIBUTION's break-up angle.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.