Entertainment
15 WWE Stars Who May Comeback This Year
WWE fans are known for their hype and their dedication to their idols. When a beloved WWE wrestler resigns or is released from the roster, it’s a sad day for both the performer and the fans. Some stars explain why they’re leaving, while others do not, and when the latter happens, questions can arise. But either way, fans still hope for their favorites to make a comeback and return for one more match in the fabled ring.
A new year means new beginnings, and it also means possible returns to the roster. Whether it’s for a special, one-time-only event like the Royal Rumble, or a comeback for the long haul, one can expect some wrestlers to make a return this year. The internet is chock-full of theories speculating how and when these stars will return, and it’s not all unfounded. The rumor mill is buzzing, and so are the fans!
With all these reports of possible comebacks, we have compiled a list of the 15 WWE stars who may come back this year. The excitement is real, and we can’t wait to see our favorites under the flashing lights and wearing their familiar costumes once again. Keep calm, get in your WWE merch, and read on!
15. Hulk Hogan
Get ready to see the most famous handlebar mustache in the ring once again! Hulk Hogan, or Terry Gene Bollea, is said to return to the WWE this year. According to wrestling aficionados and IGN, he might just be the most recognizable and well-loved wrestler of all time. Fans will certainly be excited to hear about his possible comeback.
Apart from being a wrestler and performer, Hulk Hogan has a slew of other talents. He is also a musician and an actor, as well as a TV personality. The Sun reports that Hogan has challenged John Cena and even The Rock for a showdown in the ring. One thing’s for sure: his return will be a big deal and it will change the face of the WWE.
14. Erick Rowan
Another wrestler with noteworthy facial hair is Erick Rowan, more popularly known as Rowan Ruud. He used to be part of a tag team with Luke Harper called Bludgeon Brothers. His appearance on SmackDown has helped beef up the crowd and garner more attention for his return. After the autumn lull that the line has faced, his return will surely help ratings skyrocket once more.
Before becoming part of the WWE SmackDown roster, Erick Rowan performed for another wrestling circuit. He was once part of Pro Wrestling Noah, a Japanese international wrestling circle. He was then signed on to the WWE roster before debuting in 2003. He is another a memorable face that fans would love to see in the ring once more.
13. Summer Rae
Bring on the heat, because Summer Rae is making her way back to the WWE ring! Best known for her role in the WWE Studios film, The Marine 4: Moving Target, Summer Rae is one accomplished WWE Diva. Danielle Louise Moinet used to be an American football player, model, and pro wrestler. Her name is definitely on the roster for WWE Superstars happening this year. 2018 might be the year Summer Rae makes a comeback!
She made her debut in 2011 as an original member of the Total Divas. The blond wrestler was pinned as a new and huge addition to the slew of women additions to WWE. Unfortunately, Summer Rae suffered an injury and never fully recovered. Surprisingly, the WWE bigwigs let her go without her even making a name for herself. Let’s hope she makes it big this year!
12. The Rock
No one can command a crowd like the mega Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Once a WWE star always a WWE star. And if indeed The Rock is planning on going into politics, the franchise is a sure fire way to gain popularity. Not that he needs it!
He was scheduled to make an appearance at last year’s WrestleMania but had to beg off due to a conflict in his schedule. This year’s big event, scheduled for mid-year, will have his name all over the arena and on top of the billboards once again. Every wrestling fan is looking forward to his return to the ring — including his antics and gimmicks. We can’t wait! We can already hear the chanting… The Rock for President!
11. Triple H
The King of Kings, known as Triple H, is a long-time veteran of WWE. He is married to WWE owner Steve McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie. At 48 years old he has won the WWE World Championships fourteen times and has stepped away from the WWE limelight on and off during the years.
Triple H, via his Twitter account, confirmed that 2018 is going to be a huge year for him. This comes on the heels of a controversial win during his WWE return in November of last year when he took down his teammate Kurt Angle. They are set to battle again on January 28th during the Royal Rumble. Angle is anxious to get Triple H back in the arena. The dude is not happy about the betrayal. Revenge is definitely in the offing
10. Ronda Rousey
A few days ago, paparazzi snapped a photo of Triple H and Ronda Rousey having dinner in Los Angeles. Is a comeback also in the works for Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey? Your guess is as good as ours! But there are hints being dropped here and there that point to a Royal Rumble fight in February with Rousey. Photos have surfaced of Rousey training at a WWE gym and the rumor mills are buzzing!
Rumors are also flying that Rousey might fight Charlotte Flair or the undefeated Asuka. When asked about her upcoming WWE Royal Rumble fights, she just smiles and gives her nondescript nod. For what it’s worth, the UFC star can be a definite crowd pleaser. She isn’t called Ronda Rousey for nothing. And c’mon, we miss her in the WWE ring. Come back already
9. John Morrison
Drew McIntyre, aka John Morrison, is one of the many wrestlers that have jumped off the WWE bandwagon. But unlike other WWE outcasts, this guy has maintained his presence in the wrestling world. In 2011, after being dissatisfied with how his WWE career was going, he cut ties with the franchise. He then went on his merry way, to honing his craft as a pro wrestler.
A lead member of Lucha Underground, he has done an exceptional job of keeping his name fresh within the wrestling circles. In recent interviews, he promised a WWE comeback when the time is right. Now seven years later, John Morrison is ready to rejoin the ranks in 2018. Keep watching and prepare to be surprised!
8. Shelton Benjamin
The WWE is notorious for letting go of their talents. So many — even the really good ones — have been let go for various reasons. Shelton Benjamin is one performer who did not leave of his own volition. Armed with admirable in-ring skills and flexibility, he was one of the up-and-coming stars back in the day.
After the WWE he immersed himself in the indie wrestling scene working for various companies, such as Ring of Honor, New Japan, and Pro-Wrestling Noah. With a natural talent for athleticism, it is no wonder that the WWE is showing interest in signing him once again. Keep your ears open and your eyes on your season tickets, because you might be hearing a lot more about Benjamin really soon.
7. The Undertaker
One of the stalwarts of the WWE is The Undertaker. As menacing as the angel of death, he is a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling industry. With the surprisingly low ticket sales and online engagement, the WWE is bringing several of its pioneering talents back into the fold in 2018. And what better way to do that than with this naturally scary guy with the killer headlock.
On January 22, the WWE brings out the big guns as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Monday Night Raw opens the celebration with the WWE legends. The franchise will honor The Undertaker as they look back to 1993 when he opened the very first ever WWE Raw with a smashing win against Damien Demento. It is unclear if he will be returning as an out-of-the-ring guest or as a competitor in the fights. We’ll just have to watch and see.
6. Trish Stratus
If the rumor is true, we might see Trish Stratus grace the arena once again during 2018’s Royal Rumble. As per an interview with WWE Raw General Manager Kurt Angle, about thirty women will be joining the much-anticipated fight. Trish Stratus is one of the most popular female wrestlers in WWE history. If she comes back to perform at the Royal Rumble, it would be a huge step towards the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble.
You may recall that she used to grace the cover of Playboy in her heyday. She can also be included in the same ranks as The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. At 41, Patricia Anne Stratigeas, is still at the peak of health and has vowed to fight anyone they put her in the arena with. Wow, watch out for this legend!
5. Brie Bella
If social media is to be believed, Brie Bella is definitely positioned for a huge comeback this year. Her Youtube channel has clips of her training full-time and back in workout mode after giving birth to her daughter in May of last year. Bella and her husband Bryan are proud parents to Birdie Joe Danielson. Her videos show her practicing her kicks and takedowns and they look pretty impressive.
She has since lost all the baby weight and is said to be the fittest she has ever been. The rumor mill is abuzz with whether or not she will be joining the 30-plus women at the Royal Rumble. If there is one woman wrestler that deserves another chance at fighting, it is Brie Bella. She rocks as a momma and she’s impressive as a professional wrestler. What more can we ask for!
4. THE Goldberg
In a recent article on the WWE website, Goldberg teased news of a potential return to the squared circle. He has always stressed that a comeback was to be expected. Timing and a tight schedule were rumored to be the reasons that Vince McMahon couldn’t give him the return he so deserves. WWE fans last saw him losing to Brock Lesnar in WrestleMania 33.
Being a full-time father and husband has allowed him to heal physically, and rumors have persisted that he might be appearing during Summerslam or WrestleMania this year. Whatever the WWE decides to do with Goldberg, he deserves all the hoopla that comes with it. Frankly, we miss the Universal Champion. Vince and his group of bandits should sign him back asap!
3. Bobby Lashley
TNA World Champion Bobby Lashley, in an interview with on Sports Illustrated, spoke about an impending return to the WWE. His passionate interview included Lashley’s desire to fight Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar. Do you remember the time Vince McMahon had to shave his head due to a bet? This was the guy that made the shaving incident happen.
Bobby Lashley, a former ECW Champion and United States Champion fought in a lot of high profile battles, the most controversial of which was being Donald Trump’s champion in the Battle of Billionaires. In that fight he fought Vince McMahon’s representative, Umaga. The fight culminated in a huge loss for Umaga at Wrestlemania 23, which resulted in Vince shaving his head. It is not everyday that the owner loses a bet on live television. So, this WWE superstar’s comeback is awaited with much anticipation.
2. Cody Rhodes
Indie wrestler and one-time WWE contender, Cody Rhodes is sure to make a return to the WWE fold. Rhodes chose to leave the ring in frustration over a lack of creative ideas. He was let go by the company shortly thereafter. We have been following this performer’s wrestling fights and most of them leave us wanting to see more.
Since then he has had matches with WWE Manager Kurt Angle and an NXT bout against the famous CJ Parker, known as Juice Robinson. If the WWE does indeed offer him a new contract, it would be a better and much larger one than years before. Just wait few more months and everyone will be seeing him back in the square circle. For now, we will continue to enjoy watching him wrestle in his indie matches.
1. Rey Mysterio
The 2018 Royal Rumble has us doing cartwheels! Our favorite, Rey Mysterio of Lucha Underground, will be one of many stars making a comeback appearance. Óscar Gutiérrez is small at only 5 feet and six inches tall but his flexibility has made him a favorite for quite some time. Gutiérrez and his good friend Batista — now a Hollywood star have recently reunited and talked about possible WWE guest appearances some time in the future.
The small but powerful superstar won his first ever Royal Rumble match in 2006. After that, Mysterio accomplished one inconceivable feat after another. An impressive feat for one so small, he went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22. Holding the record for the smallest WWE superstar to ever win that title. They say good things come in small packages — they weren’t lying with Mysterio!