While the return of R-Truth sent shockwaves through pro wrestling, there are other former WWE stars that could potentially re-sign as well.
From those who departed after contracts expired, to others who were released from the company, there are plenty of former WWE names currently on the free agent market.
Here are eight potential former WWE stars that could re-sign with the company.
8. Carlito

While fan outrage seemingly influenced the decision to re-sign R-Truth for a continued stint in WWE – sadly Carlito doesn’t seem likely to be brought back aboard in WWE right now.
On the same day R-Truth broke his own news regarding his WWE departure – Carlito revealed that he too would be exiting the company at the end of his existing deal.
While there’s no word on any kind of return just yet, perhaps at some point later in the year Carlito may be considered for a return, even if it’s just to sign a legends/nostalgia contract.
Carlito is a fan favorite and someone who, along with Truth, was responsible for injecting some comedy into WWE’s programming. So even if its for only occasional appearances, having Carlito around in some capacity would only be a good thing.
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7. Bishop Dyer (Baron Corbin)

Another notable WWE veteran who was finding footing as a babyface before his contract was allowed to expire was Bishop Dyer – aka Baron Corbin.
Having been in a popular tag team with Bron Breakker on NXT, Dyer had reinvented himself only to be brought back up to the main roster in the 2024 Draft and then completely underutilized.
Able to combine in-ring athletic abilities with compelling character work, many fans were happy to see that the road in professional wrestling didn’t end after his WWE departure.
2025 has seen Dyer make a name for himself on the independent scene, but perhaps a return to WWE will eventually be in his future.
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6. Beth Phoenix

One of the pioneers of the WWE women’s division as we know it today, Beth Phoenix quietly departed the company after her contract expired last Summer.
While often linked with a move to AEW given her husband Cope being signed there, there hasn’t yet been any word on whether that move will materialise.
While her in-ring career was legendary, the WWE Hall of Famer could also serve on commentary – a role that she was in for the first edition of the all-female PLE, Evolution.
With Evolution 2 coming up on July 13, perhaps WWE fans could see the return of the Glamazon for at least an appearance to acknowledge her contributions.
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5. Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler)

After being released by WWE in 2023, Nic Nemeth went on to continue his career in TNA Wrestling, as well as appearing for NJPW and independent promotions.
A longtime veteran of WWE, Nemeth has gone on to thrive since his departure from the company, continuing his professional wrestling career but also freeing up more time for other projects.
While he currently is signed with TNA Wrestling, and has a tag team alongside brother and AEW alum Ryan Nemeth – some fans still hope for the return of Dolph Ziggler.
It would be most interesting to see Nemeth return to take on John Cena – a match that could potentially occur without re-signing due to TNA Wrestling’s current partnership with WWE.
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4. Saraya (Paige)

Shortly after Saraya confirmed that she had parted ways with AEW – fans were already clamoring for her return to WWE.
While she is currently booked and busy, hosting her brand new podcast (Rulebreakers with Saraya) and promoting her recently released memoir – she has never ruled out a return to WWE.
With Evolution 2 coming up on July 12, it would be an iconic moment for Paige to return for one last WWE match – or possibly, even more.
The former Divas Champion remains a fan favorite and has a great deal to offer to WWE both in-front of the camera but also presumably in a backstage capacity as well.
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3. Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder)

Now arguably more popular than ever as Matt Cardona, the former WWE star Zack Ryder continues on in professional wrestling.
Following a prolific run on the independent scene, as well as appearances for TNA Wrestling and AEW, Cardona has made a big impact on the industry from outside WWE.
However if WWE never unites Cardona on-screen with his real-life wife, Chelsea Green – there was been a grave error in booking.
The duo could combine their powers of obnoxiousness to rule WWE, even if only temporarily to foil as heels for some other bigger babyface couple to have a magic moment.
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2. Maria Kanellis

When looking at free agents that could potentially contribute to a backstage environment as much as being an on-screen talent, WWE would do well to recruit Maria Kanellis.
While known for being a manager as well as in-ring talent, Kanellis also helped lead the women’s division in Ring of Honor.
With speculation of WWE staging a battle royal at Evolution 2 – seeing Maria Kanellis make an on-screen appearance at the event would be a full circle moment.
Emblematic of the bygone Divas era, Kanellis could also partner with current WWE stars like Maxxine Dupri and Tiffany Stratton who have notably expressed their own personal fondness for the Divas.
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1. Goldberg

While announced for a retirement match in WWE at some point in 2025 – it’s currently unclear what kind of deal the Hall of Famer agreed with WWE.
Reports have stated that Goldberg could be set for an appearance at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta on July 12, however, it’s unclear whether this will be the stage of his final bout.
While Goldberg has spoken publicly about his last match taking place “in the south” he also has a history of appearing at WWE shows in Saudi Arabia – so perhaps Night of Champions on June 28 could be an option?
Whenever his last match takes place it’ll be interesting to see whether Goldberg makes more appearances beyond his final match, perhaps as a part of a new legends deal with the company.
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