4 WWE returns imminent following Seth Rollins and Uncle Howdy
The latest episode of WWE RAW was an action-packed show full of jaw-dropping moments. From Drew McIntyre "quitting" the company to Bron Breakker and Sheamus putting on a PLE-worthy banger, it felt like a post-WrestleMania episode of the flagship show.
Seth Rollins kicked off the night with a shock return, and the Uncle Howdy-led Wyatt Sicks bookended the show with one of the all-time great debuts. The product has felt the pinch from many of its top stars being absent, so these returns breathed some new life into proceedings.
These are unlikely to be the only epic returns of the summer, however, with a few more huge stars expected back from hiatus and injury in time for Summerslam.
As fans reel from Seth Rollins and Uncle Howdy's huge returns on RAW, here are four more imminent ones of the same, if not bigger magnitude:
#4: Charlotte Flair could make an early WWE return in time for Summerslam
Charlotte Flair suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match with Asuka on WWE SmackDown last year, condemning her to a long layoff. The Queen was expected to be out for nine months to a year, making her the first big name ruled out of WrestleMania XL. In the weeks after her injury, the 14-time Women's Champion shared her recovery journey, showing faster progress than expected.
Flair's original recovery timeline has her returning to action between September and December. Given her speedy recovery, it's not hard to rule out an earlier-than-anticipated return to the company. The Queen could work with superstars such as Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and the rumored original 'Mania rival Bianca Belair.
Could the most decorated woman in the promotion's history make a surprise return as soon as this Friday, or even at The Biggest Party of The Summer itself?
#3: Becky Lynch's hiatus from WWE could end sooner rather than later
Becky Lynch's previous WWE contract reportedly ran out at the beginning of June 2024, and she has not been seen since. The Man has not made any public appearances since losing her Women's World Championship rematch against Liv Morgan on RAW after King and Queen of the Ring, and her future is currently uncertain.
However, no efforts have been made to erase the seven-time Women's Champion from the promotion's advertising and Superstar page. This suggests that she will return to the fold, although there's no timeline for that. It could be as early as next week or as far away as Royal Rumble 2025. One thing is for sure: Fans would love her back as soon as possible.
#2: Rhea Ripley's WWE return is already being set up by current storylines
Rhea Ripley suffered a shoulder injury shortly after WrestleMania XL, following a backstage attack from Liv Morgan. The Eradicator was then forced to relinquish the Women's World Championship, eventually watching it fall into the hands of the woman who injured her. Morgan has since done everything in her power to replace Mami, even going as far as infiltrating The Judgment Day.
Ripley was given a three-to-four-month timeline for recovery, meaning her return could be less than a month away. The audience can't wait to see what consequences The Nightmare will impose on Morgan "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.
#1. Roman Reigns' WWE return is arguably the most highly anticipated
Roman Reigns has not been seen on WWE programming since WrestleMania XL when his legendary 1316-day reign as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion came to a halt. The Bloodline leader has gone dead silent, emboldening Solo Sikoa to take over leadership of the family. The Street Champ has made the group his own, brutally kicking out Jimmy Uso and replacing him with Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.
Sikoa's hostile takeover, harsh treatment of Paul Heyman, and thuggish methods have proved unpopular, causing fans to cry out for Reigns to return. The "We Want Roman" chants have become louder in recent weeks.
With the 30-year-old's sights now set on Cody Rhodes and Summerslam fast approaching, it may not be long until Reigns returns. Whenever The Head of The Table does show up, he's sure to receive a massive reception.