While fans often look back at different eras in WWE with a nostalgic lens when selecting their favorite, the roster during the PG era was iconic in the eyes of many.
With some potential comebacks that are still active and others more likely to return for one-off appearances, there are plenty of fan favorite PG era stars that could make a return.
Here are nine PG era WWE stars that could return in 2025.
9. Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder)
While he may be the ‘Indy God’ Matt Cardona now, prior to his release from WWE in 2020, Cardona had been known as Zack Ryder.
Having spent 15 years signed with the company, Cardona had been through various different versions of Zack Ryder throughout that time but all were quite entertaining.
With his PG-era work linked to so many big moments, it would be poetic to see Cardona return, and maybe even resurrect Zack Ryder – if not in name, then at least in spirit.
Pairing Cardona with his real-life wife Chelsea Green and allowing them to unleash mayhem could be TV gold.
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8. Big Show
Although he has not been in action in AEW since a notable Street Fight match in November 2023 – teaming with Kota Ibushi, Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega against Brian Cage, Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher & Powerhouse Hobb – fans are still always thrilled when they see the ‘Big Show’, Paul Wight.
While Wight remains under contract with AEW – noting in February 2023 that he still had “a couple of years” on his contract – it may not be a very long time before he hits the free agent market.
Wight has been memorable in his AEW appearances, but certainly well known from his earlier career achievements in WCW and WWE, it would be nice to see Big Show back into the WWE fold.
Notably still absent from the WWE Hall of Fame, it could be a matter of time before Wight returns and is inducted into the prestigious group having enjoyed an illustrious career across the Attitude, Ruthless Aggression and PG Eras of WWE.
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7. Paige
Now that she is a free agent, it is more possible than ever that WWE fans could see the return of Paige.
Having competed in the last few years with AEW as Saraya, the former Divas Champion has never ruled out a WWE return.
If Paige were to return to action in WWE, the much-rumored Evolution 2 PLE could be the perfect place to bring her back.
Whether or not she returns to in-ring competition or pops up in another role in WWE, it would be great to see Paige back in the company.
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6. Davey Boy Smith Jr. (David Hart Smith)
Although he was released from WWE in 2011 after having been part of the Hart Dynasty, Davey Boy Smith Jr remains an active wrestler.
While Smith was re-signed to the company in 2021, he ultimately did not make an on-screen return and was released in November of that same year.
He has since commented about being open to one more WWE run, with many fans hoping to see him actually get a fair shake in the company once again.
Although he is currently signed to AJPW in Japan, perhaps now that there is a Triple H helmed creative team in WWE, the industry veteran would consider returning.
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5. Beth Phoenix
Beth Phoenix is not believed to be signed to WWE in any capacity right now, leading to speculation about her potentially joining her husband Adam Copeland in AEW.
As of now, this has not happened, and the more time passes, fans may instead turn their attention back to Phoenix re-emerging in WWE once again.
With the rumors persisting about the Evolution 2 PLE – now possibly set for July 12 – perhaps Phoenix will have reason to return.
Beth Phoenix served on the commentary team for the first iteration of Evolution alongside Michael Cole and Renee Paquette, so maybe a role at the desk would be the best way to bring her back into the fold if she doesn’t want to be involved in in-ring action.
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4. Matt & Jeff Hardy
While The Hardy Boyz are currently signed to TNA Wrestling until November 2025, there remains speculation that they are headed for more appearances in WWE.
Having made appearances recently on NXT, feuding with Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), perhaps there is destined to be more to their rivalry now that Fraxiom have been called up to the main roster.
As talent continues to be shared between WWE and TNA Wrestling, it would make sense to see Matt and Jeff take on a major program even before they’re officially re-signed with WWE.
Since their AEW run was regarded as underwhelming by some fans, hopefully there is a mighty retirement run in store for the pair of tag team icons back where they started their careers.
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3. Mickie James
While Mickie James is currently serving as a coach on the first season of WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats), she is not reportedly not signed on for the second season.
While James was an excellent coach in the program, perhaps WWE could find a more consistent role for her back on mainline WWE programming.
With persistent rumors speculating that Evolution 2 could be taking place on July 12, maybe James has one more WWE in-ring run left.
Also currently absent from the Hall of Fame, maybe there is a plan for Mickie James to be re-integrated back into WWE TV.
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2. Rob Van Dam
While John Cena clearly dominated the PG Era in WWE, there are a few of his former rivalries that could be revisited one last time.
One such star that should get one last crack at John Cena during the latter’s farewell tour is Rob Van Dam.
While he’s reportedly under a WWE nostalgia contract, he has actually appeared in AEW for in-ring competition more recently than any WWE bouts, with his last proper run in the company being during the height of the PG era in the early to mid 2010s.
Even if only to pop-up in a future Royal Rumble or for that aforementioned showdown with Cena, the WWE Hall of Famer remains a fan favorite every time he makes an appearance.
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1. Batista
One star that made an indelible impact on fans and the business as a whole during both the Ruthless Aggression and PG Era was Batista.
The Animal has transitioned from WWE into Hollywood with numerous blockbuster roles, from Marvel’s Guardian’s of the Galaxy to Dune.
While he has transitioned into a different genre of entertainment, Batista still seems to recall his WWE past fondly.
Another name that is expected into the WWE Hall of Fame at some point in the future, it will be amazing to see Batista return for the honor, but would be even better if he signed on for a short return to WWE TV, even if it wasn’t for a physical return to the ring.
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