Released WWE Stars To Return

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While there have been many outgoings from WWE, there have been plenty of returns to the company as well.

There have been the huge name returns like CM Punk and AJ Lee, but even beyond that, the likes of Naomi and more recently Baron Corbin and Big Cass have shown that leaving WWE isn’t necessarily the end of your career there forever.

Here are five more WWE stars who were released or left the company in the past year who could potentially make a return.

5. Ilja Dragunov

Ilja Dragunov was the most recent WWE departure, as he opted not to sign a new deal with the company when his contract came up due to the difference between the pay he was hoping for and the pay WWE was willing to offer him.

Despite his United States Championship reign, it always felt like there was a disconnect between Dragunov’s style and the style of the current WWE product.

At 32 years old, Dragunov has plenty of time to continue increasing his value elsewhere before returning down the line if he wishes to do so.

4. Santos Escobar

It was a pretty crazy year for Santos Escobar as he left WWE upon his contract expiring, re-signed just a couple of days later on a huge money contract, was never used despite that huge money he was making, finally returned in AAA, got injured pretty much immediately upon returning, then got released.

WWE evidently saw something in him to re-sign him in the first place, but it seems like things fell apart somewhere along the road.

If Escobar continues to maintain or raise his profile in Mexico and/or the US, he could end up back in WWE in the future, even if it’s just as a big returning name for AAA.

3. Shayna Baszler

Shayna Baszler was released by WWE last year but remains on good terms with the company, particularly NXT.

Baszler has been backstage at NXT tapings and has also made a few cameo appearances for the brand since her exit.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see her make a return either as a full-time wrestler or in some kind of coaching capacity.

2. Cora Jade

Cora Jade seemed like a surefire future star of the WWE women’s division during the earlier days of her time in NXT, but injuries put paid to any momentum she built up.

Now wrestling in TNA as Elayna Black after being released in 2025, she has a chance to continue making a name for herself and building up her value with an eye to going back to WWE at some point in the not too distant future.

Still just 25 years old, it would be more surprising if she doesn’t return to WWE than if she does.

1. Sheamus

Sheamus left WWE somewhat unceremoniously this year after refusing the company’s attempt to knock down his pay.

While he will likely pursue other options coming out of that deal, it feels like he’ll end up back in WWE somewhere down the line.

As one of the most recognizable faces in wrestling in the last 15+ years, Sheamus will probably end up back in WWE for a last run, one final match, or even a Hall of Fame induction.

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