More than a year removed from a serious knee injury, Adriana Rizzo is back on WWE television — just not between the ropes yet.
On the July 9 episode of WWE Evolve, Rizzo debuted in a new on-screen capacity as the brand’s ringside reporter. Her first assignment saw her interview Harley Riggins following his win over Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Ulka Sasaki. It marked Rizzo’s first appearance on WWE programming since July 8, 2025, when she last appeared on NXT to arrange a sit-down between Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Luca Crusifino, and Tony D’Angelo — a meeting that led to the announcement of the D’Angelo Family Final Battle the following week.
Rizzo has been on the shelf for over 14 months after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus, an injury she publicly disclosed in August 2025. The recovery has been lengthy, but she offered an encouraging update on June 25, writing that she finally feels “like my old self” and teasing what’s ahead: “This isn’t the end of my comeback. It’s the beginning of what’s next.”
She stopped short of confirming a medical clearance to compete, and WWE has not announced a timetable for her in-ring return. Still, landing a regular on-screen role on Evolve keeps her visible and active within the company while she works her way back to full health.
For a performer who had been completely off television for a year, the new ringside reporter role represents a meaningful step forward — and likely a sign that her full comeback isn’t far off.
Reporting and match coverage produced by the PW Exclusive team. Articles under this byline are drafted with AI assistance and reviewed before publication — see our editorial standards for how we work.
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