WWE Night of Champions 2026 will see the King and Queen of the Ring being crowned and championship gold up for grabs.
However, WWE could garner plenty of headlines over a jam packed wrestling weekend by having a few returns on this premium live event.
This show taking place from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia could see former world champions, key storyline development and memorable moments thanks to some possible comebacks on this show.
Here are six potential returns at WWE Night of Champions 2026.
6. Brock Lesnar
At WWE WrestleMania 42 night two, Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar. Following this loss, Lesnar took off his gloves and boots, leaving them in the middle of the ring to signal his “retirement.”
However, Lesnar returned just over a month later and went on to defeat Oba Femi to avenge his Mania loss at WWE Clash In Italy 2026.
‘The Beast Incarnate’ has not been seen since then, while Femi has been on a roll and set to face Jey Uso in the King of the Ring Finals at WWE Night of Champions.
Lesnar returning at the PLE seems like a possibility where he could further make Femi’s life a living hell after ‘The Ruler’ has spent weeks talking trash about him in his absence.
5. Sheamus
Back in November 2025, Sheamus was announced as being sidelined with a serious shoulder injury and being forced to undergo surgery.
‘The Celtic Warrior’ has long been recognized as one of the best in-ring performers in WWE and has been missed over the past few months.
Recently, Sheamus displayed his recovery and training in the gym on social media, making fans hopeful a return will happen soon.
WWE Night of Champions 2026 would be an ideal spot for Sheamus to return where he can insert himself in a prominent spot upon his return on the road to SummerSlam.
4. Drew McIntyre
At the WWE WrestleMania 42 night one premium live event, Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match.
Since this loss, fans have not seen McIntyre on WWE television. This is due to his role in the upcoming Highlander reboot film.
However, ‘The Scottish Warrior’ has reportedly finished up filming for the movie and may or may not have the chance to come back.
If he decides to return to pro wrestling for a little while, McIntyre would be a nice surprise that can kickstart a high profile feud in some way at WWE Night of Champions 2026.
3. Bronson Reed
Ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, Bronson Reed suffered a torn biceps injury that has sidelined him for months now.
In his absence, The Vision has continued to be hit with the injury bug as Logan Paul was sidelined with a torn triceps himself.
Over the past few weeks, Reed has been posting pictures of himself training in the gym on social media, showcasing how his recovery is coming.
Reed returning to help his Vision stablemate Bron Breakker against Seth Rollins in a Steel Cage match at WWE Night of Champions 2026 would be a shocking moment that fans would not forget and revitalize the top faction in the process.
2. Randy Orton
Another star that fans have not seen since WWE WrestleMania 42 is Randy Orton.
On night one of the event, Orton lost to Cody Rhodes in an Undisputed WWE Championship Match. After the bout, Orton attacked Rhodes with the title belt and a Punt Kick to leave him laying.
Orton’s return would certainly turn things upside down on Friday Night SmackDown and the main event of WWE Night of Champions 2026.
With Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against GUNTHER and Sami Zayn, Orton could insert himself in the mix and cost his former friend the title to completely cause chaos.
1. CM Punk
At WWE WrestleMania 42 night two, Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
After a brief appearance on the WWE Raw after WrestleMania 42, ‘The Best In The World’ hasn’t been seen on the company’s programming over the past few months.
Recent reports have indicated that Punk is scheduled to return in his hometown of Chicago in July, but WWE could change those plans.
Wanting to kickstart the build to his own direction into WWE SummerSlam 2026, Punk could make his return at Night of Champions by the end of the night.
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