Former WWE Stars To Return At SummerSlam 2026

WWE

WWE SummerSlam 2026 is fast approaching and will offer a strong lineup across the two-night premium live event, but there could also be some notable returns throughout the night.

While certain sidelined talent will come back, there could also be some former WWE stars who make their return in Minneapolis.

From those returning for a second run with the company to special guests for this huge night, these returns will shift the landscape dramatically coming out of SummerSlam.

Here are six former WWE stars to potentially return at SummerSlam 2026.

6. Enzo Amore & Big Cass

Recent reports have indicated that Enzo Amore has been seen at the WWE Performance Center and is expected to re-sign in the near future.

Meanwhile, Big Bill’s AEW contract is reportedly set to expire, with the former Big Cass also WWE bound.

All signs point towards the promotion bringing the duo back together under the WWE banner once again.

Enzo and Big Cass making a return could see them becoming one of the most popular tag teams in all of WWE once again.

5. Trish Stratus

At WWE Evolution 2025, Tiffany Stratton defeated Trish Stratus to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.

Since then, Stratus has only appeared as a special guest in the crowd at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Still being able to step back in the ring, Stratus could make herself into a spotlighted act in the company if she chose to return.

Trish Stratus returning might lead to a dream match with one of the newer stars in the WWE women’s division, such as Sol Ruca, Lyra Valkyria or Roxanne Perez.

4. Baron Corbin (Bishop Dyer)

Another former WWE star who has been in the headlines as of late regarding a return is Baron Corbin.

Now known as Bishop Dyer, Corbin has done a splendid job of reinventing himself by changing his name and establishing himself in other promotions.

During his time in WWE, Corbin was one of the most consistently featured heels on the roster over the course of the decade.

After nearly two years away from the promotion, Corbin might be someone who could add a great deal of value to WWE in a major way again.

3. AJ Styles

At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, GUNTHER defeated AJ Styles to retire “The Phenomenal One” from in-ring competition.

Since then, Styles has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and even received a tribute show in February.

The former two-time WWE Champion revealed that he had re-signed with the company as a coach and ambassador, so it feels likely fans will see him again.

Appearing as a special guest at the event, Styles could be a nice surprise for the fans in Minneapolis for the SummerSlam 2026 premium live event.

2. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Another WWE legend who knows all about being a special guest of the company is Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The last time WWE fans watched Austin step in the ring for an appearance on the company’s programming was back at WrestleMania 41 in 2025.

Austin returning could open the door for “The Texas Rattlesnake” to go face-to-face with the likes of Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Brock Lesnar or CM Punk.

With his status as one of the greatest of all time, Stone Cold’s return could add a lot of different dynamics with several names on the WWE roster at SummerSlam 2026.

1. The Rock

The Rock has become a central figure for WWE during the build to WrestleMania across a few years.

WrestleMania 40 and 41 saw The Rock come in to be featured as a major star to draw interest in these major events.

However, “The Final Boss” was conspicuous by his absence during the road to Mania 42 in 2026.

Considering WWE SummerSlam 2026 is the second biggest PLE of the year, The Rock showing up in Minneapolis would be a shocker that would add a lot of intrigue to this event and make it bigger merely by his presence.

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