The past couple months have all been building up to the biggest event of the year in WrestleMania. But with WrestleMania season over, WWE begins a new chapter with some personnel changes. From backstage officials to wrestlers, WWE is always shifting names around to put out their ideal product. And while some wrestlers usually take a break after WrestleMania, the company brings back many names to replace them. It is usually injured Superstars who have been out of action for a while, as well as major names that haven't appeared on television lately.

These returns always generate fan excitement since they bring something new to the table. But not all Superstars are fortunate to be featured on television, as the company also releases performers - and they tend range from low-carders to older wrestlers. And as some names leave the company during this season, there will be others who will be starting their WWE journey. Many of these new signings are expected to make their debuts within the next couple weeks - most of whom will likely land in NXT.

It is certainly an interesting time to be a WWE fan since WrestleMania season brings a lot of changes to the company, including some new faces to keep the product as fresh as possible. Today's list is based on rumors floating around the web from the past few weeks, as well as some ongoing speculation in the wrestling world, as we look at 5 WWE debuts, 5 returns and 5 releases to expect soon:

15 Debut: James Storm

There are many wrestlers who were once top TNA Superstars that we never thought would be signed by the WWE. But many of them have joined in the last couple years, and rumors suggest that James Storm could be next.

He was spotted backstage on the Monday Night Raw prior to WrestleMania, and then made another appearance at NXT.

There is a possibility that he is only there to greet friends and to enjoy WrestleMania weekend, but rumors have indicated that there is mutual interest between both sides. At 40 years old, Storm may be a great veteran presence on NXT - as well as a strong contributor who could assist in improving the overall product. Only time will tell if Storm has inked a deal with the WWE since that may be his last opportunity to earn a sweet paycheck with the company while he still can.

14 Return: Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan's name keeps popping up in rumors for a return, with some even saying that he would be Daniel Bryan's replacement as SmackDown GM now that Bryan is once again a member of the active roster. While that seems unlikely, given how WWE is still avoiding mentioning his name, there is the possibility they bring him back in a role off-screen. Here was WWE's latest statement on Hogan, given following his appearance at HBO's screening of their Andre The Giant documentary.

"Hulk Hogan is an important part of Andre the Giant's history, however his appearance at tonight's HBO premiere of the documentary and his plans to help others learn from his mistakes does not mean WWE is rehiring him. Hogan is not scheduled to be at any upcoming WWE events."

13 Release: Dana Brooke

Dana Brooke was cast alongside Titus O'Neil and Apollo in Titus Worldwide after floundering on her own. She was originally alongside Charlotte when she was called up to the main roster, but it's obvious that Dana wasn't ready for a spot on the main roster, particularly in a division that's now stacked with talent. A move back to NXT to truly find herself might be the best thing for Brooke, but it's rare that a demotion back to NXT ends up leading to future success in the WWE. At this point, it may be more likely that Brooke is released altogether, and takes the opportunity to get more seasoned as a performer outside of WWE. You wonder what her role on the roster can possibly be at this point.

12 Debut: Garza Jr.

If you happen to be unfamiliar with Garza Jr. then you are likely to be made aware very soon. Rumor suggest that he has signed with the WWE after giving an interview to a Spanish site, in which he claimed that he passed the medical test. Garza Jr. has gained fame this past year through his appearances on Impact Wrestling. And while he hasn't exactly set the world on fire, he certainly has shown flashes of potential.

Being on NXT will certainly help him move on to the next level if the rumors turn out to be true.

Until this past yyear, Garza Jr. wasn't very well-known, especially in the United States. But it seems like he has finally landed on the WWE's radar, and if he continues to build on what we saw from him on Impact Wrestling, then he may have a bright future in the WWE.

11 Return: Rey Mysterio

Since his surprise appearance in the 2018 Royal Rumble match where he looked to be in the best shape he has been in years, Rey Mysterio's name has been linked to a more permanent WWE return. There were even rumors at one point that he was pencilled in to be John Cena's WrestleMania opponent, or that he would be Braun Strowman's mystery tag team partner, but Mysterio suffered a biceps injury in early March. When he is recovered, Mysterio still has some independent dates to commit to, but with the WWE continuing to expand and dip their toes into new venues, having a veteran like Mysterio on the roster will carry a ton of value. They also have yet to find a true Latino superstar, so bringing Rey back will buy them a little time.

10 Release: Tamina

There are many Superstars who have been sidelined with an injury in the past few months, and among them is Tamina who has been working to get back healthy. But we will see whether we get to see her back on television, as the creative team may not have anything for her. She hasn't exactly been a relevant figure in the women's division despite some minor pushes from the company.

Being much older than her peers, there is no doubt that it has become a matter of time before Tamina gets released.

There are already several women who can service as a veteran presence in the locker room, which makes Tamina of very little used to the WWE. It is impressive that she is even on the roster today since she has failed to resonate with the fans as a WWE Superstar.

9 Debut: Walter

For the past couple months, many reports have linked Walter with the WWE. He has denied officially signing with the company, but rumors continue to heat up. After signing multiple top talents from the independent scene over the past couple years, WWE looks to add a few more names and Walter is apparently among their top candidates.

If he does agree to a contract, he is likely to debut on NXT within the next few months.

At this time, he is still competing for various promotions but there will probably be an update soon now that WrestleMania season is over. We have seen many talents get signed during this time of the year, and Walter is expected to be one of the WWE's additions in 2018. At 30 years old, he would be making a wise career move since he is currently in his prime years.

8 Return: Brian Kendrick

Brian Kendrick's year didn't get off to a great start as he injured his nose and was forced to be out of action for a few months. But he has finally fully recovered and is now ready to return. Kendrick has been one of the bright highlights from the cruiserweight division, as well as a much needed veteran presence. He will likely be back within the next few weeks, as he played an important role on 205 Live prior to his injury.

While sitting on the sidelines, Kendrick has been busy as he was previously selected to help Ronda Rousey train for her wrestling career.

Based on recent Instagram photos, Kendrick appears to still be involved with the Rousey training crew and reportedly has a major role. That confirms that the company must be really high on him to allow him to work with their biggest signing in recent times.

7 Release: Neville

Fans are still speculating about Neville's future with the WWE since there haven't been many updates. We know that he was upset with the creative team, and not a fan of dropping his title to Enzo Amore. Neville wasn't thrilled about being placed in the cruiserweight division in the first place, and it seems like he had enough of WWE. Despite asking for his release, the company has yet to grant him his wish.

It was rumored that the company was attempting to resolve all issues in order to bring him back, but Neville seems set on leaving. Since the WWE usually releases many Superstar around WrestleMania season, Neville may be among the top candidates. Fans will certainly by upset since they had high expectations for Neville, but it is probably for the best at this point especially since he could easily bounce back on a different promotion.

6 Debut: Keith Lee

With so many top talents being recruited from the independent circuit, fans have been speculating about potential WWE signings for the past year. One name that always comes up is Keith Lee, who has developed an impressive following lately. And what was initially just fan booking turned into reality when rumors linked him with the WWE. Lee worked the fans across social media with some teasers and subtle jokes about the negotiations with the company, which is probably a good sign that he has agreed to a contract.

And if that turns out to be true, then we may see Keith Lee in NXT by SummerSlam. He would certainly be a welcomed addition on the brand, where he is likely to thrive as so many of his peers have, while also getting the opportunity to prove all doubters wrong.

5 Return: Big Cass

After having been out of action for several months, Big Cass is set to return to the mix in the upcoming weeks. Very little is known about the company's plans for Big Cass, although it has been reported that management used to be high on him. That may have changed since then, especially now that he will have to get over as a solo act.

His former success came thanks to his tag team run with Enzo Amore, who has been released from the company.

With Big Cass being cleared to compete in the ring, he will probably be inserted back on Monday Night Raw but we wouldn't be surprised if he continues to watch from the sidelines until the upcoming WWE Draft. Over the years, we have seen plenty of injured Superstars make their return from injury on a new brand.

4 Release: Rhyno

Not many would have thought that Rhyno would still be wrestling for the WWE in 2018. When he was released from the company in 2005, some thought he would never make it back as he moved to TNA for several years. But despite being at an advanced job, Rhyno has landed a veteran gig on the roster. And for some time, he formed a successful tag team with Heath Slater that managed to get over with the fans.

Rhyno has also had a great influence behind the scenes, as he is one of the most respected wrestlers among his peers. He has served the role of a mentor as well as a wrestler, but his days as a full-time performer are numbered. It is probably for the best that Rhyno moves into a lesser role, possibly as a backstage official since he could be plenty of assistance to the company.

3 Debut: Tessa Blanchard

Tessa Blanchard is already on WWE's radar and considered to be potentially one of the future top Superstars in the women's division. In the past, she has been criticized for her behavior, as well as being immature - but that hasn't held her back from working for the top companies in the world.

She participated in the Mae Young Classic tournament, and impressed with a series of outstanding performances.

And while she wasn't signed to an official contract, Blanchard is only 22 years old with a brilliant future ahead of her. Blanchard is well-connected since she is a third generation wrestler and hailing from a respected family in the wresting industry. She also happens to be dating one of WWE's most recent signings Ricochet. It is very likely that Blanchard will also join him in NXT within the next couple months with a chance to impress and improve in WWE.

2 Return: Big Show

Big Show has been off television since getting injured a few months ago, and there were rumors about his contract expiring at the end of February. Some fans believed that he may have quietly retired but recent reports claim that Big Show has re-signed with the company. Despite teasing retirement over the past few years, Big Show has chosen to extend his career. He has also been cleared to compete once again and will likely return within the next two months.

While it's unlikely that Big Show will be a full-time competitor, there is a chance that he may be getting a final run with the company. He has had an impressive lengthy career and deserves to go out on his own terms. He also happens to be in the best shape of his life, and based on his matches with Braun Strowman, he clearly has still some gas left in the tank.

1 Release: Alicia Fox

It is surprising that Alicia Fox is still employed by the WWE after all these years. She has never stood out among her peers even when the women's division was considerably weaker than it is today. And despite Fox failing to connect with the audience, she has been handed plenty of opportunities by the company to get over. But Fox remains an afterthought as she hasn't contributed anything memorable in a while.

She is currently watching from the sidelines as she has been recovering from an injury, although Fox still managed to make the headlines.

She was filmed getting into a loud argument with Ronda Rousey's husband Travis Browne, and based on the negative press she will bring, as well as how little she has to offer the company, Fox is likely to be released this year when the WWE puts out its yearly list.