Released WWE Stars To Re-Sign With The Company

While fans are always sad to see members of the WWE roster get released, on occasion some of those let go can end up re-signing with the company.

From recently released stars to others who have continued to make their mark around professional wrestling since their departure — there are some intriguing potential returns.

Here are seven released WWE stars that could potentially re-sign with the company.

7. Shayna Baszler

While awaiting the end of her 90-day non-compete clause, Shayna Baszler has been working backstage in NXT.

Being spotted in a social media video posted by Nia Jax during her recent appearance on the brand, she was also credited with having produced a match between Kelani Jordan and Lainey Reed, one of many recent NXT bouts she’s reportedly had a hand in.

While Baszler’s presence was ferocious during her time in NXT, her main roster character failed to capture the same magic.

However, having already impressed in NXT both on-screen and behind the scenes — perhaps fans could see her make a return to the Performance Center in the future.

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6. Dakota Kai

After being released in the most recent roster cuts in May 2025, Dakota Kai’s future remains uncertain.

Seemingly a top choice to be picked up by another promotion, it could be that fans are waiting to see Kai debut in AEW or TNA Wrestling if she has already quietly signed.

But with unfinished business in WWE, she seems likely to return one day.

A fan favorite, Dakota Kai would make a perfect surprise return in the 2026 women’s Royal Rumble.

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5. Von Wagner

Returning to in-ring action under his real name Cal Bloom, the former University of Central Florida tight end’s in-ring career still has plenty of time to get back on track.

Following his WWE release in April 2024, Bloom found himself pop-up on AEW TV as an extra and competed in a match in Ring of Honor.

Bloom partnered with Deonn Rusman in a losing effort against the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona).

Most recently appearing in Midwest All-Star Wrestling — Bloom continues to put in the work, which could lead to a WWE return via NXT later down the road.

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4. Indi Hartwell

After being released from WWE, Indi Hartwell hit the ground running on the independent wrestling scene.

Having a match with Mercedes Mone in House of Glory, Hartwell stayed fresh in fans minds before signing with TNA Wrestling.

While Hartwell continues to take on challengers in the Knockouts division, she may still return to WWE one day, whether through the ongoing TNA/NXT partnership or via re-signing with the company full-time.

Similarly to the paths to the top of the likes of Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, Indi Hartwell could easily become the female version of the departed star who comes “home” to the top of the card.

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3. AJ Francis

Formerly known as Top Dolla in WWE, it would make a ton of sense to see AJ Francis re-sign with WWE in the future, especially as the NXT/TNA partnership continues to grow.

When Francis was released from WWE in 2021 alongside the other members of the group, he didn’t quit on professional wrestling.

Instead, he continued to compete on the independent wrestling scene and eventually landed in TNA Wrestling — going on to totally rebrand himself.

While he was a member of the Hit Row faction during his previous run in WWE, Francis is now the leader of his own Fir$t Cla$$ stable with fellow WWE alum, Rich Swann.

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2. Nic Nemeth

One of the more shocking releases over the past several years was that of Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler, who let go by WWE in September 2023.

While Nemeth had previously requested his release after almost two decades in the company, it still surprised fans to see him go.

While he has gone on to solidify himself in TNA Wrestling under his real name Nic Nemeth, it is entirely possible he could re-sign with WWE in the future.

Seemingly a shoo-in for consideration for the WWE Hall of Fame one day, the former two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion deserves to be recognised as one of the unsung legends of the WWE over the last 20 years.

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1. Braun Strowman

Former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman is another star that fans were surprised to see get let go by the company earlier this year.

Despite being well received by live crowds and having some memorable matches with the likes of Jacob Fatu and Bronson Reed during his most recent run, Braun Strowman was released in May, four years after his first WWE release in June 2021.

Despite his departure, Strowman’s series about eating across America as a part of travelling with WWE is still set to air on the USA Network this fall, so perhaps it would make sense to see him re-sign with the company, even if only for a limited number of appearances.

While a return would seem feasible, he did this week take a shot at WWE on social media so perhaps there may need to be more time passing before any potential return happens.

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