WWE SmackDown brought plenty of action this week, but while The Blue Brand was live on air, another major wrestling moment was happening across the world. Bea Priestley (fka Blair Davenport), known to WWE fans as Blair Davenport, made her shocking return to NJPW, stepping back into a ring she hadn’t entered in almost four years.
Bea Priestley Shocks Fans With Surprise NJPW Debut While SmackDown Was Live
Fans tuning into SmackDown may have missed it. But over in Japan, Bea Priestley was already in her gear and making her presence known during the NJPW Resurgence pre-show. She walked out to a strong reaction and delivered a confident promo that reminded everyone exactly who she was.
Priestley referenced her long absence from NJPW (around four years) and revealed that her 90-day non-compete clause was over. WWE released her on 7 February 2025. With her freedom now official, she wasted no time making a statement.
The star called out the current state of women’s wrestling and boldly declared that she is one of the top women’s wrestlers in the business today. She implicitly addressed all the challengers who tried to take her spot during her time away.
Not content with just talking, she was ready to fight. Since she was already dressed to compete, she issued an open challenge on the spot. Viva Van answered that challenge, setting up an impromptu match.
The match was short but hard-hitting. Priestley showed no signs of ring rust, controlling most of the pace before finishing things off with her signature move, the Plan Bea, for the victory.
The timing of Bea Priestley’s return couldn’t have been better. While her WWE name, Blair Davenport, was making headlines during SmackDown, she showed the world that her story isn’t finished—she’s just getting started again.
“Bea Priestley is back and wasted no time getting into action against Viva Van. What a way to kick things off!” NJPW wrote on X.
Bea Priestley is back and wasted no time getting into action against Viva Van. What a way to kick things off!
Watch it LIVE on @njpwworld PPV!
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🔗 https://t.co/MVcex6TLfp#njresurgence #njpw pic.twitter.com/HsZ9gK3zoG— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) May 10, 2025
Fans watching SmackDown may have been caught up in the action between John Cena and Randy Orton or the chaotic mystery attacker segment. But across the globe, another wrestling story was unfolding. One that shows just how global and unpredictable the wrestling scene can be.
Bea Priestley’s NJPW comeback wasn’t teased or hyped. It was a surprise, a reminder that in pro wrestling, anything can happen—especially when contracts expire and new doors open.
Whether this leads to a full-time NJPW run or more surprises elsewhere remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Bea Priestley is back, and she’s not waiting for anyone’s permission.