After some recent teases in WWE, there could be some former champions from the promotion’s past poised to re-sign with the company.
From a top star that fans are already chanting for to others that are rumored to be occurring sometime soon – there are some fascinating possibilities for former WWE title holders who could return.
Here are eight former WWE Champions that may headed to re-signing with WWE.
8. AJ Lee
Former 3x Divas Champion AJ Lee is seemingly the name on top of mind for WWE fans regarding a potential return.
Since CM Punk has notably begun feuding with not only Seth Rollins but now Becky Lynch as well, it only seems like a matter of time before there is a female partner for Punk as well.
Potentially finally being the storyline that can summon AJ Lee out of retirement, speculation is already run amok that the pair of married couples could be set for mixed mattch tag action at Wrestlepalooza.
While only time will tell if the big return will really happen – the timing with WWE’s debut on ESPN seems promising.
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7. Chris Jericho
Although it would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago, there are persistent rumors that Chris Jericho could be returning to WWE.
After departing WWE to first wrestle in NJPW before signing with AEW as one of the foundational roster members in 2019, Chris Jericho may find himself at a crossroads.
While he currently remains under contract with AEW until the end of December 2025, if he doesn’t re-sign he could seemingly arrive back in WWE to kick-off 2026 with a bang.
Potentially ushering in retirement tour from Chris Jericho in WWE after the success of John Cena’s farewell dates – this story remains a big one to watch to close out the year.
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6. Matt and Jeff Hardy
There could be a pair of returning champions in current TNA Wrestling stars Matt and Jeff Hardy.
After delighting fans making a recent appearance in the crowd at SummerSlam 2025, it would make sense to see the duo come back in an official capacity.
With the legendary tag team having been open about their contract with TNA Wrestling being up at the end of 2025, we could see the Hardy Boyz back into a WWE ring sooner rather than later.
Seemingly shoo-ins for future induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, Matt and Jeff Hardy seem likely to return to WWE before they hang up their wrestling boots for retirement.
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5. Braun Strowman
One of the most surprising releases amongst those recently departing WWE was that of Braun Strowman.
The former WWE Universal Champion still has some unfinished business with WWE – literally. He has recently begun promoting his new USA Network travel and food show detailing his adventures on the road called Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman, still set to air this fall.
While it isn’t likely that Strowman would return to full time in-ring competition, he makes sense as an attraction performer.
Potentially coming back only for a specific feud or even to join the Wyatt Sicks for a spell, there are still plenty of stories left for Braun Strowman to tell in WWE.
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4. Nic Nemeth
After departing WWE in September 2023 after 19 years in the company, Nic Nemeth has continued to excel in wrestling.
After his former ring name Dolph Ziggler was dropped during John Cena‘s match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris 2025 when Paul used the Zig Zag – a match that included another important homage as well.
Cena revealed that doing AJ Styles’ Styles Clash on Logan Paul was meant in tribute to the wrestling icon who he was not likely to face again before retirement.
With Nic Nemeth continuing to have engaging feuds in TNA Wrestling, perhaps one day veteran will find himself coming “home” to WWE.
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3. Ronda Rousey
UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey signed with WWE in 2018 and remained with the company until the summer of 2023.
Since her exit, she has made several comments about negative experiences she had behind the scenes working in WWE.
Despite that, reports have always indicated that WWE is keen to work with Rousey again some day, perhaps to make sure she leaves with more positive things to say a second time around.
Time does heal pretty much all wounds in wrestling, and with the right offer, Rousey may be convinced to give WWE another chance.
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2. Michelle McCool
WWE Hall of Famer Michelle McCool has had something of a presence in WWE of late, with her co-hosting the Six Feet Under podcast with her husband The Undertaker, and being one of the coaches on LFG.
However, McCool has also teased – numerous times – a return to the ring for one last match, or even one last run.
McCool could sign on for a Trish Stratus-esque spot on the roster and a comeback for a few matches against today’s women’s division – many of whom would have grown up watching her.
It would also pave the way for another popular return, which would be another run for LayCool as a tag team, which McCool and Layla have both seemed keen to do.
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1. Jinder Mahal
Jinder Mahal won the WWE Championship in 2017 as the company looked to make a splash on the Indian market.
One of the most unlikely WWE Champions of all time given his position in the company before his reign, Mahal ended up back down the card shortly after his run was finished after the planned impact on India didn’t really happen.
Going on to be released by WWE in 2024, Mahal has since reinvented himself on the indies under his real name name Raj Dhesi.
Given his status as a former WWE Champion, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see Mahal back with the company some day.
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