With the surprise return of AJ Lee on WWE SmackDown, it seems that other fan favorites could potentially follow suit.
From other icons from the Divas era, to several likely shoo-ins for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame – there are some big names from the past that could make returns to the company.
Here are seven more multi-time former WWE Champions that could return to the company.
7. Paige
With the recent WWE returns of Nikki Belli & AJ Lee – many fans immediately wondered if there could be another Divas era icon on the verge of a return – Paige.
After being forced to retire from in-ring competition due to neck injury in 2018, Paige would ultimately depart WWE in July 2022.
She would later pop-up in AEW under her real name Saraya in September of that year and go on to capture the AEW Women’s World Championship during her time in the company.
Having left AEW in 2025, fans continue to hold out hope that the former Divas Champion and inaugural Women’s NXT Champion will make a return one day.
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6. Chris Jericho
One legendary name that could be returning to WWE before too long is Chris Jericho.
Not doing much to dissuade rumors regarding a potential return to WWE, Jericho has recently commented that “he wouldn’t be opposed to it” after confirming that he is still under contract with AEW.
A shoo-in as a future WWE Hall of Fame induction after winning almost every WWE championship several times over, it could be that Chris Jericho makes a return as soon as January 2026.
With the first ever Royal Rumble being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2026 – perhaps the event will hold the surprise return of Y2J.
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5. Braun Strowman
Released from WWE in May 2025 for the second time – fans haven’t seen the last of Braun Strowman’s travels.
The USA Network has announced that the series he filmed about travel and food during his time on the road with WWE would still air in Fall 2025.
While Strowman looks set to pursue opportunities outside of wrestling, he could make a return in the future for an attraction match against a notable name – perhaps around the time of the premiere of the series.
Potentially able to reignite his rivalry with Big Bronson Reed, The Monster Among Men could come back to haunt Seth Rollins’ faction, The Vision and perhaps set up his own Hall of Fame induction later down the line.
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4. Billy Gunn
AEW veteran Billy Gunn is another name frequently linked with a return to WWE, especially as his presence on WWE continues to diminish.
While he hasn’t competed in AEW since Double or Nothing 2024, it doesn’t mean that Gunn hasn’t wrestled elsewhere.
Still competing on the indies – particularly with QT Marshall’s 1 Fall Wrestling – Gunn may still have some intriguing in-ring moments left in his career.
Potentially able to make a splash as another beloved nostalgic return – Billy Gunn remains a favorite that WWE fans would surely like to see make a return in either an on-screen or behind the scenes role, especially with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and New Age Outlaws teammate Road Dogg in positions of power in the company.
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3. Matt & Jeff Hardy
A pair of future WWE Hall of Famers, Matt and Jeff Hardy remain in active competition in TNA Wrestling.
While the duo are still under contract with the WWE partnering promotion, they have made a few appearances on WWE TV including competing on NXT in March.
Most recently making an appearance in the crowd during SummerSlam 2025, it seems that the return of the Hardy Boyz could be coming sooner rather than later, with their TNA contracts set to expire later this year.
Having previously commented about their desire to return to WWE together before retirement – perhaps the Hardy Boyz will be the next beloved WWE act to have an official farewell tour.
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2. Ric Flair
As one of the most recognizable names in all of sports – not just professional wrestling – Ric Flair is someone that you might expect to see make a nostalgic return to WWE.
However at least for now – there’s seemingly a very good reason why the Nature Boy hasn’t popped up in WWE as of late.
According to Flair he is still under contract with AEW, however, it has been reported that his deal with Tony Khan’s company isn’t very restrictive and wouldn’t prevent him from appearing on WWE TV.
Given his legendary status in WWE it’s hard to imagine Flair won’t make more appearances for the company in the future, whether as a cameo or in an angle with his daughter Charlotte.
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1. Brie Bella
In addition to Paige – the other Divas era star that continually faces rumors of an impending WWE return is Brie Bella.
With the WWE return of her twin sister Nikki at the Royal Rumble 2025, speculation certainly hasn’t slowed down since that Brie will be returning soon.
While the entrepreneur and Mom of two remains booked and busy – including hosting a podcast with WWE star Nikki – it hasn’t stopped fans from hoping to see her back in WWE.
Potentially being reserved for a future time for a surprise appearance – the Bella Army is unlikely to rest in their demands until Brie Bella makes a WWE appearance.
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