4 retired WWE stars who could return before 2025
WWE has a wealth of quality performers fans can see each and every week. Thanks to the company having three brands and several other shows, there are plenty of spots for the best and brightest to get in-ring time.
For example, RAW, SmackDown, and NXT all air in prime time each week. Then programs such as NXT Level Up and Main Event stream and broadcast internationally. There is also Speed and even various documentaries and platforms such as YouTube to highlight various performers.
The Triple H regime handles most talent extremely well, but one area that some may feel is lacking is legendary figures. The Game primarily focuses on today's talent and, as a result, there aren't many Hall of Famers or icons of the past highlighted on TV each week.
There are bound to be some exceptions, however, including some retired stars who might return to the promotion before 2024 comes to an end. This includes a former world champion returning for one last match, a legend managing an incoming talent, and beyond.
Below are four retired WWE stars who could return before 2025:
#4. Rikishi could get involved in The Bloodline saga
Rikishi is a WWE Hall of Famer and legend. He has wrestled for numerous promotions and had several different gimmicks throughout his career, but ultimately became a star and champion as Rikishi.
Beyond the on-screen success Rikishi has had, he is part of the Anoa'i Family and thus part of the real-life Bloodline. His sons are Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa, three pivotal players in WWE today.
There is a chance that Rikishi could return to be part of the ongoing Bloodline saga. He could try to make peace between the developing Roman Reigns-led and the Solo Sikoa versions of the stable. Alternatively, he could step up and become Solo's Wiseman. Either way, a return feels possible.
#3. Goldberg and Gunther might clash
Goldberg is a legend in pro wrestling. Not only is he a WWE Hall of Famer and a former world champion, but he was one of the biggest stars of World Championship Wrestling. In some ways, he kept the company hot while the-then WWF rose to the top of the industry.
The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion appeared on WWE programming recently. He was a guest at Bad Blood but jumped the barricade when Gunther began insulting him and talking about Da Man's family.
This could have set the groundwork for the two to have a big-time match. Goldberg has wanted a proper retirement bout for years and a match against Gunther could be what he needs to finally say goodbye. Could Da Man return to the ring and maybe even win a world title in his final match?
#2. JBL could bring his indie antics to WWE
John Bradshaw Layfield is another WWE legend who has been a world champion. Not only did he defeat Eddie Guerrero to hold the gold, but he was also part of the legendary APA and even held mid-card titles.
JBL has been retired for many years, but he has been making surprise appearances in various wrestling companies outside of WWE, even getting physical at times. This includes TNA Wrestling, GCW, and AAA in Mexico, among others.
It isn't yet clear what Layfield is planning, but he might form a stable of some kind with Nic Nemeth and Matt Cardona. Given their past ties to World Wrestling Entertainment, JBL's goal could be to get them re-signed and "invade" their former promotion. This would be an exciting angle whether it airs on RAW, SmackDown, or NXT.
#1. Konnan could manage a debuting Penta El Zero Miedo
Konnan is a wrestling legend, albeit one with limited ties to WWE. While he briefly appeared for the promotion as Max Moon, he has otherwise spent his career in Mexico, WCW, TNA Wrestling, and beyond.
Still, he has close ties to a big name who might soon be joining WWE. Penta El Zero Miedo has been rumored to potentially jump from AEW to the biggest wrestling promotion on Earth for a few months now. When and if he does, he'll likely be without Fenix, who is stuck serving the remainder of his contract in All Elite Wrestling.
To make up for Fenix's absence, Konnan could return to the company to serve as Penta's manager. While Konnan is retired from the ring and rarely appears in any kind of U.S. wrestling promotion, a run as Penta's manager could be great television and extremely fun to watch.