WWE is reportedly considering two stars for the role of Eva Marie’s bodyguard upon the return ‘the Eva-lution’ to the main roster!
Last month saw the long-rumoured return of Eva Marie to WWE television, coming months after speculation surrounding her return began in October of last year. Now, various outlets are shedding light on potential plans for the star’s presentation on Raw.
The WrestleVotes Twitter account has reported that the current plan is for Marie to return to Raw with protection; a ‘muscle’ or bodyguard. Two key names have been discussed the most: NXT UK star Piper Niven (also known to ICW fans as Viper), or current NXT star Mercedes Martinez.
The news was quickly corroborated by the ever-reliable Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, who elaborated that Piper Niven appears to be the current choice as of ‘a few weeks ago’. However, nothing seems to be set in stone.
Either choice presents intriguing possibilities. Niven, a regular challenger to the NXT UK Women’s Championship, would be making her main roster debut. The powerhouse has been part of NXT UK since March 2019, though she originally appeared for the company back in 2017. Her dominant performances were curtailed by a quarter-final defeat to Toni Storm.
If chosen as the bodyguard of the former ‘All Red Everything’, Martinez would be making her return to the Raw brand. She previously appeared during a short-lived run as RETALIATION of the RETRIBUTION faction, though she allegedly requested to leave the group soon after their unveiling.
Eva Marie is no stranger to bringing in backup, as she previously formed an alliance with Nia Jax during her time in NXT. With Jax’s help, Marie came incredibly close to dethroning then-NXT Women’s Champion Bayley. She would later return the favour, accompanying Jax to the ring during her unsuccessful title challenge against ‘The Hugger’ at NXT Takeover: London.
Fightful Select previously reported that Marie may not get physical in the ring at all, but instead work as a vehicle to get other female talent over. If this is still the case, the ‘Eva-lution’ may be gearing up to unleash a new monster on the Raw women’s division, rather than bringing in help to achieve her own championship ambitions.
It should be noted, however, that Marie herself shot-down rumours that she will not be returning as an in-ring talent. Fans will not know the full picture until the ‘Eva-lution’ is brought to Raw. Any updates surrounding Eva Marie’s potential bodyguard will be covered here on Inside The Ropes.