As WWE Backlash 2025 fast approaches, don’t let the currently short match card fool you – there are plenty of opportunities for surprises.
From stars that are expected to return from injury to some who have just been curiously absent from TV, there are many possibilities when it comes to who could make a surprise comeback at the event.
Here are nine potential returns that could happen at WWE Backlash 2025.
9. Tonga Loa
After picking up an injury during the Survivor Series: WarGames match in November, Tonga Loa has been out of action.
With Tama Tonga also now out of action – written off of television after an attack by LA Knight – it would seem reasonable that Tonga Loa could make an appearance at Backlash 2025.
Jacob Fatu will be putting the United States Championship on the line against LA Knight, Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre in a four-way match.
Both Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa could certainly elect to make an impact on this match, either helping Fatu or costing him his first WWE title.
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8. Paige
Since Saraya has officially parted ways with AEW, there has been an upswell of fans hoping that it could mean she returns to WWE.
While she did compete in the ring in AEW, she remains equally interesting in a managerial role or could even be a great addition to either Raw or SmackDown’s General Managers to create a leadership team.
Another enticing reason for Paige to want to return to WWE are the new opportunities that now exist that didn’t when she was previously an active wrestler in the company, like the women’s Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber.
It remains rumored that WWE is set for another edition of the all women’s show Evolution 2 in July, amd it would be really incredible to see Paige back in a WWE ring for that event.
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7. Goldberg
After news re-emerged earlier this week that Goldberg is likely returning to WWE sooner rather than later, speculation immediately picked up.
One prevailing notion is that there’s a good chance Goldberg might appear at Backlash 2025.
It was GUNTHER who was disrespectful towards Goldberg back in October 2024 at WWE Bad Blood in an in-ring segment.
Since GUNTHER is set to face off against an already unlikely opponent in Pat McAfee – perhaps McAfee will have recruited Goldberg to deliver a receipt of his own.
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6. Ilja Dragunov
After he suffered an injury back in September 2024, Ilja Dragunov was expected to have an extended time out of action.
With reports varying from him recovering well ahead of schedule all the way to being expected to return in September 2025, the timeline on his return remains hazy.
With the Mad Dragon previously on the hunt for the Intercontinental Championship before his injury, there could be a memorable moment if he returns at Backlash 2025.
Making a surprise return to have a stare down with either Dominik Mysterio or Penta to set up a feud would be a great way for Dragunov to make his return to WWE.
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5. Asuka
Asuka has been out of action since May 2024, suffering an injury and requiring surgery thereafter.
However, recent reports suggest that Asuka may make her in-ring return sooner rather than later with rumors being as specific as to say in May.
Whether or not she will return into singles action or reunite with her former stable mates – or perhaps create an entirely new faction herself – remains to be seen.
Last being featured in WWE while teaming with Kairi Sane in the Kabuki Warriors, as luck would have it, there is another certain someone that sounds about ready to return by Backlash 2025…
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4. Kairi Sane
Not out of action quite as long as her Damage CTRL stablemate Asuka, Kairi Sane has been out with injury since December 2024.
However, recent reports have suggested that she may also be nearing a return to in-ring action in the near future.
While the impending return of seemingly both members would make a solid time for a Kabuki Warriors reunion, it remains unclear if their is any shared creative direction for the pair.
After the release of Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY striking out on her own as a singles star, perhaps something entirely different is ahead for Kairi Sane.
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3. Wyatt Sicks
News has emerged ahead of WWE SmackDown that Alexa Bliss may be in attendance for the show – however it was not confirmed that she was set to appear.
While Tiffany Stratton remains without a match at Backlash 2025, leaving only one scheduled women’s match on the card at time of writing, perhaps Bliss will pop back up on the SmackDown before.
If there is a return of Alexa Bliss ahead of Backlash, it would make sense then to see the Wyatt Sicks make their surprise return the next night in St. Louis at the premium live event.
With lurking rumors that the Wyatts are planned to intersect with Bliss soon – it may just happen at Backlash.
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2. Kiana James
Kiana James was barely able to find momentum on the main roster after the 2024 WWE Draft before she suffered an injury that has kept her out of the ring.
However, it has been recently reported that James may be nearing a return – a moment that could happen at Backlash 2025.
With Lyra Valkyria looking to take on Becky Lynch, the latter has turned heel since her return to WWE.
Perhaps Lynch could recruit the ruthless Kiana James in order to strengthen her chances of becoming the second-ever holder of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
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1. Omos
While Omos reportedly impressed those in WWE with his work in Pro Wrestling NOAH at the beginning of 2025, he departed Japan with note that he needed to return to WWE.
However, Omos has never re-appeared on WWE TV since then and has remained entirely absent since the SmackDown before WrestleMania 40 all the way back in April 2024.
Since Dominik Mysterio has referenced his desire to add new members to Judgment Day in the past, perhaps a new member could be revealed at Backlash 2025 with Omos as Dom’s enforcer.
Omos could be the perfect addition to the faction – before their inevitable break-up that is!
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