Former WWE Stars To Return To NXT

Published: Apr 14, 2026 by SP3 | Last Updated: Apr 14, 2026 by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

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There are several former WWE stars who are currently available that could make their return to the company in the coming weeks and months.

WWE NXT could be in need of some of these veterans to bolster their ranks as certain long-time stars will make their way to the main roster following WrestleMania 42.

From former champions to established stars, WWE could add some of these names to their NXT brand to fill some gaps in their roster and play prominent roles moving forward.

Here are eight former WWE stars to potentially return to NXT.

8. Elayna Black (Cora Jade)

In May 2025, Cora Jade was part of the slate of talent cuts for WWE, ending her five-year run with the promotion.

Since then, Jade went back to her Elayna Black ring name and hit the ground running on the independent scene.

After a short break, Black then signed with TNA Wrestling at the start of 2026 and has been establishing herself in the Knockouts division since then.

Black feels like someone who will eventually be back in WWE and could get a new lease on life if she were to return to the NXT brand at some point and time.

7. Shayna Baszler

Another recent WWE release in the past year that could make their return is Shayna Baszler.

“The Queen of Spades” has shown up in WWE over the past year in guest appearance spots at various times.

Considered by many fans to be one of the best female stars in the brand’s history, Baszler is a former two-time NXT Women’s Champion and has been in various memorable battles against the likes of Kairi Sane, Ember Moon and Rhea Ripley.

Baszler is someone who could add a great deal to the NXT women’s division due to her veteran experience and help in the progression of various stars on the roster.

6. Mara Sade (Jakara Jackson)

Following her departure from WWE in May 2025, Jakara Jackson looked to prove herself in the wrestling business.

Now known as Mara Sade, the former WWE star has started appearing on the indies and signed with TNA Wrestling.

Since signing with TNA, Sade has proven herself to be one of the fastest rising Knockouts on the roster today.

After showing her skills outside of the company, it might be time for Mara Sade to make her return to WWE where she can display everything she has learned since leaving.

5. Priscilla Kelly (Gigi Dolin)

Another recent WWE release who could make a return to the company in the near future is Priscilla Kelly.

Once known as Gigi Dolin, Kelly was one of the most prominently featured female stars on the WWE NXT roster.

A former two-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, Kelly has fully embraced proving herself outside of the WWE bubble and made her return to the indies, becoming one of the featured stars in various promotions.

After solidifying her name outside of WWE, it feels like PK could make her return to NXT and look to excel in a way similar to her former Toxic Attraction tag team partner Jacy Jayne.

4. Mandy Rose

Speaking of Toxic Attraction, Mandy Rose was once the leader of the group until she was unceremoniously released from WWE in December 2022.

The former NXT Women’s Champion has been showcased on the main roster prior to making her return to the NXT brand and sitting atop of the women’s division for over a year.

Since leaving WWE nearly four years ago, Rose has only made one or two appearances on the independent scene.

Rose making her return to the company could be a wonderful addition to the NXT roster and add a massive amount of star power to the women’s scene in a major way.

3. Dakota Kai (Charlie)

Among last year’s slate of WWE releases, no one surprised fans more than Dakota Kai.

Spending nearly one year on the sidelines, Kai recently made her in-ring return as Charlie in an entertaining battle against AEW’s Kris Statlander at the EVE: Wrestle Queendom VIII event.

Showing why she was considered one of the most underrated in-ring performers in WWE, Kai is someone that many fans want back into the fold one day.

Following her strong performance against Statlander, Dakota Kai could make her way back to WWE and try to win the title that eluded her during her first run with the company in the NXT Women’s Championship.

2. Karrion Kross & Scarlett

Following WWE SummerSlam 2025, Karrion Kross and Scarlett revealed that they were leaving the company after contract negotiations fell through.

Since leaving WWE, Kross and Scarlett have been riding the momentum from their run with the company and hit the ground running on the independent scene.

In various promotions, most notably Major League Wrestling, Kross and Scarlett have showcased why they are a TV ready act in a variety of ways.

After winning the MLW Heavyweight Championship, Kross feels more than ready to make a return alongside his wife Scarlett and finally get the push that he needed during this last run with WWE.

1. Paige

In March 2025, Saraya announced her exit from All Elite Wrestling after three years with the promotion.

Over a year later, Saraya has not made her in-ring return for any promotion and seems to be waiting to make a comeback to WWE in some capacity.

Showing she would like to make a return to WWE, fans have been wondering when Saraya will once again become known as Paige.

After her previous run and considering her rival AJ Lee made her return in 2025, it feels like the right time for Paige to make a comeback and mix it up with this generation of the WWE roster.