With some notable names having held the WWE United States Championship in the past, some could make their way back.
From names that are already rumored to be heading back to the company in the near future to others that would make a great surprise, there could be several former United States Champions who return in the near future.
Here are seven former WWE United States Champions that could be re-signing with the company.
7. Chris Jericho
One major return that could be coming to WWE soon is that professional wrestling legend Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho remains under contract with AEW but has been conspicuously absent from programming since dropping the ROH World Championship to Bandido back in April.
Writing himself off of AEW TV, Jericho laid into this Learning Tree stable during the last TV Time with Chris Jericho, destroying the set with his signature baseball bat and asserting he wasn’t angry — he was just disappointed.
With rumors that the WWE legend may be making his way back to the company when his current contract with AEW expires in late 2025 — this former United States Champion may actually be coming back to reclaim his gold.
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6. Kurt Angle
While he held the title in October 2001, Angle was the second to last United States Champion before the title was unified with the WWF Intercontinental Championship and de-activated in November 2001.
When the title returned in 2003. the company was now the WWE and the title was featured on SmackDown.
Although Angle has been largely out of the spotlight in recent years, he has recently picked up a new gig that brings him back into the public eye as the color commentator for Real American Freestyle Wrestling.
Potentially getting bitten by the bug for even bigger spotlights, Angle would make an intriguing return to WWE, even if only for a short stay.
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5. Paul Wight (The Big Show)
One current AEW name that fans continue to wonder if they could see again in WWE is The Big Show.
Making an indelible mark on WWE during his years in the company, he seems a shoo-in for a future induction in the WWE Hall of Fame.
With Paul Wight still contracted with AEW and recently appearing on-screen at AEW Full Gear 2025 on commentary, it could be that it would be some time before the return of the former United States Champion.
Making for the really lovely future Royal Rumble return, it could be that The Big Show makes a surprise appearance back in WWE when his time with AEW comes to an end.
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4. Matt Hardy
While primarily remembered for his tag team with Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy also boasted his own singles accomplishments in WWE.
In addition to capturing the United States Championship, Hardy also held the European Championship, Hardcore Championship and of course a multi-time tag team champ.
Potentially returning to WWE after his current contract with TNA Wrestling ends, Hardy has been vocal about being hopeful for a return one day.
With both he and his brother Jeff Hardy expressing a desire to return to WWE competition before retirement, it could be that 2026 ends up being the year of the Hardy Boyz farewell tour.
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3. Baron Corbin
While Baron Corbin captured the United States Championship at Hell in a Cell in October 2017, the accolade would end up his only singles title reign during his tenure in WWE.
He went on to capture the NXT Tag Team titles with Bron Breakker as a part of the Wolf Dogs tag team before departing the company in late 2024.
Making his way to several independent promotions under his new in-ring name Bishop Dyer, the star has gone on to make an alliance with another WWE alum.
Winning the MLW Tag Team Championship with Donovan Dijak, the duo could potentially both make their way back to WWE one day in the future.
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2. Dolph Ziggler
Picking up his first United States Championship victory at Clash of Champions in 2017, Ziggler would go on to hold the title twice.
While Ziggler has been on an impressive run in TNA Wrestling under his current in-ring and real life moniker Nic Nemeth, he did recently make a return to WWE.
Making a surprise entry into the Last Time Is Now tournament in order to determine who would be John Cena’s final opponent, he also went under his former ring name of Dolph Ziggler.
Potentially a great eventual return to the company, Nemeth’s contributions in terms of in-ring psychology and charisma definitely can’t be denied.
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1. Jeff Hardy
While the WWE United States Championship would press on, it would continue to flip between brands including when it was captured by Jeff Hardy in April 2018.
Sending the title to SmackDown as a part of the Superstar Shakeup, he would hold on to it before dropping to Shinsuke Nakamura several months later.
With rumors that both Matt and Jeff Hardy could be on the cusp of returning to WWE when their current TNA Wrestling contracts expire by the end of 2025, it could be that either Hardy ends up in contention for the WWE United States Championship again soon.
Able to continue to work as a tag team or pursue individual goals during a possible farewell run in WWE, Matt and Jeff Hardy are both fan favorites that would be nice to see back in the company.
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