Looking at the SmackDown brand, there are several stars currently on the sidelines right now.
Whether it be taking time off or being on the shelf due to injury, there might be some returns in the coming weeks and months.
From former champions to up-and-coming talents, these returns could totally shift the entire landscape of Friday Night SmackDown moving forward.
Here are four WWE stars set to make a return to SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre
At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night One, Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned Match.
“The Scottish Warrior” has been taking time away to further develop his Hollywood career, appearing in two different films over the past few months.
When McIntyre makes his way back, he could find himself in what has become a very busy Undisputed WWE Championship picture on Fridays.
From rekindling his rivalries with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk to facing new stars like Trick Williams, there is a ton of potential for McIntyre coming back to SmackDown in the coming months.
Elton Prince
One of the scariest injuries of any current WWE star right now has to be Elton Prince.
In January 2026, Prince underwent neck fusion surgery that put his career in question.
With Prince away, his Pretty Deadly tag team partner Kit Wilson has established himself as a singles star with his eccentric personality and character.
However, Elton Prince making his return could see him reunite with Wilson and become a force in the SmackDown tag team division once again.
Jordynne Grace
At the start of 2026, Jordynne Grace made her way from WWE NXT to Friday Night SmackDown.
It did not take Grace too much time to establish herself and went on to feud with Jade Cargill over the WWE Women’s Championship.
After failing to win the gold, Grace now finds herself outside of the mix in the SmackDown women’s division.
With plans for her to join forces with Ivy Nile, Grace could become a prominent star on SmackDown in the second half of 2026.
Rhea Ripley
Following WWE Clash In Italy 2026, Rhea Ripley was sidelined with a torn meniscus injury.
Despite this injury, Ripley is still technically the reigning WWE Women’s Champion.
In her absence, Chelsea Green has become the interim WWE Women’s Champion and could be waiting for Ripley to return.
With a potential unification match on the horizon, Ripley may make her return soon where she can face off with Green to determine the Undisputed WWE Women’s Champion.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…