Former WWE Champions To Return Soon

Ahead of a busy Summer of events for WWE, more than one notable former WWE Champion is seemingly set for a return to the company.

Whether it be at Money in the Bank, Night of Champions, Saturday Night’s Main Event or Evolution 2 – there is definitely room for some WWE returns.

Here are six former WWE Champions that could be making a return to the company soon.

6. Ilja Dragunov

Ilja Dragunov is reportedly poised for a return sometime in the near future – however the timeline has yet to be revealed from any official reports.

The former NXT Champion (and NXT UK Champion) suffered an injury during a match with GUNTHER back in September 2024 and subsequently underwent surgery for a torn ACL.

With varying reports regarding when to expect the Mad Dragon back in WWE action, it is possible fans will have to wait until Fall to see the exciting star return to action.

Given that he didn’t have many sizeable storylines to get his teeth into during his time on the main roster, expect “The Mad Dragon” to return in a big way as either a babyface or a heel in the coming months.

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5. Asuka

Still out of action due to injury, Asuka is reportedly set for a return to WWE sometime in the near future.

Asuka has previously held the WWE Women’s Championship, Women’s World Championship, Women’s Tag Team Championship and NXT Championship – leaving two newly introduced titles off of her mantle.

Perhaps upon her return the Empress of Tomorrow will set her sights on either the women’s Intercontinental Championship or the women’s United States Championship – two titles introduced since she has been out of action due to injury.

Seemingly a logical addition to appear at the upcoming Evolution 2 PLE, hopefully Asuka is back in action sometime soon!

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4. Paige (Saraya)

Saraya may have captured the AEW Women’s Championship during her time in the company but before that, Paige was a two-time WWE Divas Champion and NXT Women’s Champion.

While seemingly still a free agent, it would make complete sense to see the former WWE Divas Champion Paige back in WWE.

With Evolution 2 set to take place soon, other former champions like Nikki Bella, Michelle McCool, Alicia Fox (currently Victoria Crawford in TNA Wrestling) or the 14-time 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke (Ash by Elegance) could also make returns.

Offering the perfect opportunity for stars from the past to make a big return, Evolution 2 should be one for the history books.

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3. Goldberg

While Goldberg has been open about training for his last match in 2025 – further details like potential location or opponent remain sparse.

After having a testy interaction with GUNTHER on-screen, it could be possible that Goldberg is headed for a return to challenge the Ring General.

While he has a history of appearing at big Saudi Arabia events, Goldberg recently stated his final match would be “in the South”, with reports stating that an appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 has been discussed.

Whether the match happens at the event, or is merely set up there remains to be seen, either way expect to see Goldberg back involved soon enough.

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2. Mickie James

It seems hard to imagine that Evolution 2 could take place without an appearance from women’s division legend Mickie James.

The former five-time WWE Women’s Champion also held the WWE Divas Championship and TNA Knockouts title.

Potentially able to return and reignite a feud with a variety of more recent friends and foes from TNA like Jordynne Grace, Naomi, Chelsea Green – there are plenty of throwback options as well.

Since James played an integral role in the history of the WWE women’s division, hopefully she makes an appearance at Evolution 2.

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1. Lince Dorado

Yes, Lince Dorado is a former WWE Champion – after holding the 24/7 Championship on November 9th 2020.

To be fair, the show saw a total of ten 24/7 title changes on that episode of Monday Night Raw – beginning with Drew Gulak and ending with R-Truth.

News has recently been reported that Dorado is set for an appearance at the upcoming AAA x WWE Worlds Collide event on June 7.

While he has returned to WWE in-ring action via non-televised bouts in NXT already in 2025, it’ll be great for fans to see the former Lucha House Party member show off his exciting in-ring style once again.

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