On 10 October, WWE announced another round of releases — this time affecting stars from both NXT and its ID programme — with the biggest name among them being former North American Champion Wes Lee.
Being released from WWE doesn’t necessarily close the door on a future return, however; in fact, many stars have come back for another stint and reached even greater heights — Drew McIntyre being a prime example.
With that in mind, which recently released WWE stars could return for another run?
WrestleTalk takes a look at the possibilities.
6. Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler was released from WWE in May, bringing to an end a near eight-year run that included two memorable reigns as NXT Women’s Champion during the brand’s creative peak.
Her departure was one of the more surprising of the year.
However, she has remained on WWE’s radar, working as an agent for NXT and even making an on-screen appearance during the brand’s recent Homecoming special in September.
At 45, Baszler remains a unique in-ring performer unlike anyone else on WWE’s roster — could we see her make an almost immediate return to the company?
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5. Dakota Kai
One of the most compelling storylines on WWE programming right now is the feud pitting former Damage CTRL members against one another, with Asuka and Kairi Sane battling IYO SKY, who has now aligned herself with Rhea Ripley.
There are, however, other former members of the faction not currently involved in the storyline.
In May, Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai was released from WWE — and despite being an immensely talented in-ring performer, she has yet to sign with another company.
Could we see the 37-year-old make a quick return to WWE to join this intra-factional feud?
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4. Nic Nemeth
Dolph Ziggler was released by WWE in September 2023, bringing to an end a near 20-year run with the company.
Since his departure, competing under his real name Nic Nemeth, he has remained more than relevant in the pro-wrestling landscape.
He has captured top titles across several major promotions, including the Mega Championship in AAA, the Global Heavyweight Championship in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and the World Heavyweight Championship in TNA Wrestling.
Given his long tenure, it seems inevitable that the 45-year-old star will one day return to his old stomping grounds.
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3. Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali was released from WWE in September 2023.
Signing with WWE’s partner promotion TNA Wrestling in February 2024, he has had a prominent role within the company and captured the X-Division Championship.
Clearly with something to prove, the 39-year-old returned to WWE programming on 7 October at the NXT vs. TNA special, taking on NXT North American Champion Ethan Page in a standout affair – arguably the best bout on the show.
Back on WWE’s radar with this performance, could we soon see the star given another run in the company?
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2. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman was one of the more surprising WWE release of the year.
The 6’8” giant and former Universal Champion had just been involved in a high-profile feud on SmackDown with Jacob Fatu before being released in February.
A top star across his two stints in the company, could we see the 42-year-old get another shot in WWE?
This week, Strowman attacked Paul Heyman online, with Heyman responding that he was “celebratory to learn you’re still alive, something most of us didn’t realise and even fewer cared about” — making a return seem rather doubtful!
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1. Matt Cardona
One of the most notable moments of the recent NXT and TNA promotional feud came on the 23 September edition of NXT – when TNA stars invaded, the biggest reaction by far was for Matt Cardona, whose pop eclipsed that of any other star on the show.
This marked the first time Cardona had appeared on WWE programming since his release in early 2020.
On 14 October, he is set to have his first match back in WWE, taking on Josh Briggs on NXT.
Now a more complete and compelling performer than when he left – and one clearly adored by WWE’s fanbase – could we soon see Cardona return to the company full-time?
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