Throughout the history of the brand, NXT has seen several former WWE stars come back into the fold.
Whether it be main roster talent coming back to the developmental brand or returning stars making their way there, there have been several former WWE stars who have garnered a fresh start on NXT.
Looking at the current free agency market and the new partnerships the company has, there might be quite a few talents with previous WWE stints who could make an impact in NXT right now.
Here are nine former WWE stars to potentially return to NXT.
9. The IIconics (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay)
Charlotte Flair recently shared a photo of herself training in the ring at Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze’s wrestling school, Flatbacks.
Along with Flair, Breeze and Spears was none other than former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics.
Peyton Royce and Billie Kay were both released from the company back in 2021 and after a short run with TNA Wrestling, have remained outside of the limelight for the most part.
Considering their recent in-ring return for Prestige Wrestling, The IIconics could be on their way back and would add a lot to the recently depleted WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship scene following the recent releases.
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8. Tyler Breeze
Also seen training with Charlotte Flair at the Flatbacks Wrestling School was trainer and former WWE star Tyler Breeze.
Considered by many to be one of the most under-utilised talents during his time in WWE, Breeze has so much unfulfilled potential.
Spending 11 years as an in-ring competitor for WWE, Breeze recently revealed that he does not consider himself to be retired quite yet.
Since he is technically signed to WWE as a co-host on the UpUpDownDown YouTube channel, it would not be all that surprising if Breeze does make his in-ring return back to the company.
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7. Saraya (Paige)
Announcing her departure from All Elite Wrestling following her contract expiring, Saraya is now officially a free agent.
After three years with the promotion, the former AEW Women’s World Champion was able to climb back into the squared circle and has proven she can still compete after a lengthy five year stint of not being medically cleared.
Following this run with AEW, it should be easier for WWE to take a shot on Saraya making a comeback to the company.
Bringing plenty of veteran experience and star power along with her, the former Paige would make for an ideal rival for numerous female stars on the roster like Roxanne Perez, Jaida Parker or Stephanie Vaquer.
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6. Trevor Lee (Cameron Grimes)
Released from WWE back in April 2024, Trevor Lee has spent the past year reestablishing himself as one of the most consistently reliable in-ring competitors on the independent scene.
Spending five years in WWE, the former Cameron Grimes thrilled the fans with his impressive in-ring ability and surprising charisma.
If the company wants to bolster its men’s division in a major way, it would be hard-pressed to find a former WWE star who can offer more than Trevor Lee.
Heading back to NXT, Lee could potentially reignite the momentum that he once had when he captured the NXT North American Championship back in 2022.
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5. Mandy Rose
For the past three years, Mandy Rose has stayed out of the limelight of pro wrestling after being released from WWE.
The former NXT Women’s Champion had found her footing as a top star on the developmental brand as the leader of the Toxic Attraction stable.
Rose has the experience and charisma that could help give something new and different to the NXT women’s division.
Providing some of the younger talent on the brand a veteran who can offer something unique to their games, Rose could once again be a main event level star for WWE NXT upon a return to the promotion.
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4. Matt Cardona
Not since the likes of Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre leaving the company has there been another former WWE star to reinvent themselves and reignite their career quite like Matt Cardona.
Released from the promotion in 2020, Cardona immediately tried new things to make himself stand out, such as embracing deathmatch wrestling by joining Game Changer Wrestling.
The former Zack Ryder has won the GCW World Championship, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship and several other titles around the world.
After making appearances for the likes of AEW and TNA, Cardona making his return and being presented as a top star on WWE NXT could once again put the spotlight solely on him.
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3. Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler)
Another current TNA Wrestling star who could make the return to WWE television over on NXT is Nic Nemeth.
The former TNA World Champion has cemented himself as one of the top stars in the promotion and currently holds the TNA World Tag Team Championship with his brother Ryan Nemeth.
In association with their current partnership with WWE NXT, the former Dolph Ziggler could be the next star to make an appearance on the brand.
Nemeth interacting or squaring off with the likes of Oba Femi, Ethan Page or Je’Von Evans could give them or any number of NXT talent their best matches and a ton of experience against one of the most respected in-ring competitors of his generation.
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2. Mickie James
Returning to the company’s programming, Mickie James has played the role of coach on the “WWE LFG: Legends and Future Greats” show on A&E.
With the first season coming to an end soon, it could be used as a way to bring James back to the company’s television on one of its main three brands.
After making an appearance in a backstage segment with Jaida Parker on the NXT Roadblock special, Mickie could play several different roles on NXT in the near future.
The six-time WWE Women’s Champion has the veteran experience and star power that could benefit many stars in the NXT women’s division, such as Sol Ruca, Zaria or Jordynne Grace.
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1. Mustafa Ali
Since being released from WWE back in 2023, Mustafa Ali has hit the ground running across the pro wrestling world.
Becoming a top draw on the independent scene, Ali quickly showcased his value and started working all over the world.
Making his way to TNA Wrestling in 2024, Ali established himself as a top star for the promotion and won the X-Division Championship.
After re-signing with TNA at the start of 2025, Ali could make a return appearance on WWE TV due to the working relationship and partnership with the company that could see him finally getting the shot at the NXT North American Championship that he missed out on.
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