WWE Backlash 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting premium live event with plenty of tantalizing matchups already announced.
The company could add something extra to the next major show by having several notable stars make their return to the promotion.
Whether it be injured stars or talent who left the company coming back, these returns would make Backlash that much more of a must-see event.
Here are six potential returns at WWE Backlash 2026.
6. Sheamus
Back in November 2025, Sheamus was sidelined after requiring shoulder surgery for lingering issues.
After several months on the shelf, ‘The Celtic Warrior’ could make his return in the near future.
On the April 27 edition of WWE Raw, Oba Femi defeated Grayson Waller. Then post match, Femi announced a new open challenge where he was calling out anyone to test themselves against him.
‘The Ruler’ bringing his new open challenge to WWE Backlash 2026 could set the stage for Sheamus to answer in his return and deliver a “banger” against Oba in Tampa.
5. Xavier Woods
Sidelined with multiple tears in his shoulder, Xavier Woods has been out of action for a couple of months now.
In his absence, there has been dissension forming between Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller.
Needing his presence to bring The New Day back together, Woods could make his return in time for the WWE Backlash 2026 premium live event.
Woods returning could see him reunite with Kofi to put The New Day in line for a shot at the World Tag Team Championship at the upcoming Backlash show on May 9.
4. Chelsea Green
On the February 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Chelsea Green suffered an ankle injury that has kept her sidelined over the past two months.
The two-time WWE Women’s United States Champion has remained a consistent presence on the company’s television, regularly appearing in her wheelchair.
Now that Alba Fyre has been released by the company, Green could return to in-ring competition sooner than most think she will.
Returning at WWE Backlash 2026, Green might find himself in position to challenge the new Women’s US Champion in Tiffany Stratton at the event from Tampa, Florida.
3. Carmella
In 2025, Carmella saw her contract with WWE expire, leading to her departure from the company.
After a 12-year tenure, Carmella shut up a lot of naysayers by becoming a reliable character and in-ring performer.
The former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion has recently shown some interest and teased a potential in-ring return sometime soon.
Making her return to the ring for the first time since 2023, Mella could add a great deal with her experience and skills to the current landscape of the WWE women’s division with a return at Backlash 2026.
2. Kairi Sane
On April 24, WWE had its latest round of talent cuts with 25 wrestlers known to have been released by the company.
The most surprising name part of these WWE releases had to have been Kairi Sane, who was in the midst of a months-long storyline with Asuka in The Kabuki Warriors.
After being physically and emotionally abused by her senpai, fans were waiting for the day Sane would eventually stand up for herself against ‘The Empress of Tomorrow.’
Following the fans getting #WeWantKairi to trend worldwide and the chants being heard during Monday Night Raw, Kairi could make a surprise return during the Asuka vs. IYO SKY match at WWE Backlash 2026 to finish her story once and for all.
1. Bronson Reed
Ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, Bronson Reed suffered a torn bicep during his qualifying match against Jey Uso and The Original El Grande Americano.
It was soon revealed that Reed required surgery to recover from this injury.
While there have been no signs of hit happening at this time, Reed could surprise everyone by making an early return at WWE Backlash 2026.
Considering his Vision stablemate Bron Breakker is set to face Seth Rollins at the PLE, Reed’s presence might be enough to help make the difference in this grudge match in Tampa.
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