More Former WWE Stars To Re-Sign With The Company

With the return of Matt Cardona to WWE SmackDown on January 2, there could be even more former WWE stars making their way back soon.

From those that were released in recent memory to others that have been gone for longer, there could be some fun faces coming back to the WWE roster in 2026.

Here are seven former WWE stars to re-sign with the company.

7. Shayna Baszler

After having been a standout during her time in both NXT and the main roster, fans were surprised that Shayna Baszler was released in May 2025.

However while waiting out her non-compete period, Baszler was spotted working backstage in a coaching role in NXT.

While she confirmed she hasn’t been officially hired on, Baszler did note in a recent interview that she had enjoyed the coaching role more than she thought she would.

Definitely an asset both in front of fans and working behind the scenes, Baszler has a lot more to contribute to WWE in the future.

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6. Nic Nemeth

Another star who could follow in the footsteps of the returning Matt Cardona might be that Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler during his time in WWE.

After having received a warm reception during his losing bout against Solo Sikoa in the Last Time Is Now tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent, the former Dolph Ziggler could make his way back in 2026.

Gaining acclaim in TNA Wrestling wrestling under his actual name Nic Nemeth, it could be that in 2026 WWE fans see more from the longtime star but in a crossover capacity rather than re-signing.

With TNA Wrestling beginning their own weekly TV series Thursday Night IMPACT! on AMC Network, it would seem that there will continue to be some overlap between TNA and at least NXT.

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5. The Iinspiration

The current TNA Wrestling Knockouts Tag Team Champions could easily find themselves returning to WWE in 2026.

Since both Cassie Lee & Jessie Kay made their returns to professional wrestling after taking time off for motherhood, they’ve proven that they are still competing on a high level.

Going on to find success in TNA Wrestling, the duo received a warm reception in a recent crossover appearance with NXT, despite going up against NXT favorites in the ring.

Potentially making a return by way of entering the Royal Rumble 2026 or popping up to challenge the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions at WrestleMania 42 — it could be a major year for the duo.

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4. Braun Strowman

One former Universal Champion who could re-sign with WWE in the future may be the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman.

Still popping up in WWE adjacent appearances, most recently in items filmed prior to his release from the company like his travel food series Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman and Gordon Ramsey’s cooking competition series Hell’s Kitchen in January 2026.

Certainly able to make impact as a Royal Rumble entrant or even to have a short-term storyline in the lead up to an event (like Brock Lesnar’s retirement perhaps), Strowman wouldn’t even need to feature heavily in any in-ring action.

Being a great addition to pre-show panels or even on commentary, Strowman would be a fun return in 2026.

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3. Paige

One legend from the WWE Women’s division that could re-sign is Paige.

Wrestling under her real first name Saraya during her spell in AEW, the star has demonstrated that she can still go — capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship during her time in the company.

Potentially feuding with familiar foes like Nikki Bella and AJ Lee, Paige could also end up fighting a whole new generation of talent in Rhea Ripley or even meeting up with Blake Monroe.

Whether a heel or a babyface, WWE fans seem to continue to show interest in the return of Paige — a good sign that she may pop-up sometime in the near future.

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2. Mara Sade

Going by the name Jakara Jackson in NXT, Mara Sade has gone on to totally re-invent herself in TNA Wrestling.

Using her strong foundation of a character, Sade has ended up connecting with fans in a brand new way including through fun partnerships with others.

Forming an enjoyable alliance with the Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff Hardy), Sade has proven herself to be a utility player.

Possibly set to shine in the new weekly TNA Wrestling series on AMC Network, perhaps in the coming years Mara Sade could re-sign with WWE.

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1. Chris Jericho

One hotly rumored arrival that could be making his return to WWE as soon as the first episode of WWE Raw in 2026 is Chris Jericho.

With reports that Jericho is not only returning to WWE but could be making the big reveal as early as January 5, it could be that the inaugural AEW World Champion is really headed back.

While Jericho has kept mum on his future plans, he has notably confirmed a UK tour for his band Fozzy that is set to run throughout the month of February 2026.

Potentially the rationale for a return ahead of the expected possible Royal Rumble surprise, Chris Jericho could make a major impact on the first WWE Raw of 2026 on Netflix.

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