WWE sinks in lots of money during WrestleMania week. For that reason, they attempt to shed lots of salary following the show and one of the ways is by cutting the costs via the talent. Post-WrestleMania releases have been the norm in the last couple of years and we expect no different come April and May.
On the bright side, the rumor mill also continues to buzz with possible returns at some point. We’re seeing lots of NXT talents join the main roster, however, you can also expect familiar names to return. We just saw Bobby Lashley back in a WWE ring after a lengthy departure; one can imagine the emotions running through his mind while at the Gorilla Position before he hit the stage to interrupt Elias.
From emotional returns to release nobody wants to see, we project potential moves that might take place in the very near future. Enjoy the article folk and like always, be sure to share it with a friend. Let us know which return you want to see the most and which release the WWE should avoid. Let’s get started with a recent Hall of Fame inductee rumored for the GM position over on the blue brand.
15 Return – Jeff Jarrett
Emotional is the word to describe Jeff Jarrett’s Hall of Fame induction. WWE cameras followed Jeff during his journey back to the WWE and he was clearly over the moon about being back. Jarrett was appreciative that despite his past differences with Vince, the boss thought about Double J and all of his accomplishments nonetheless.
Jeff looked great at the HOF, seriously the guy hasn’t aged at all. His story is another tremendous success story as he just recovered after a rehab stint. The WWE loves these types of stories and it was rumored that Vince was perhaps thinking about extending Jarrett’s stay. Some rumors believe he’s in the mix for a role as the next SmackDown General Manager while others believe Triple H might use his experience down in NXT behind the scenes.
14 Release – Lana
It was rumored that Lana was going to win the Women’s Battle Royal, re-launching her in-ring career. Instead, she was easily tossed over the top rope. Her career inside of the squared circle has been a downwards spiral compared to her days as the manager of Rusev. It remains to be seen what plans the company has for her moving forward. For the time being, she’s most popular for her role on Total Divas more than anything else.
Despite her struggles, Lana still gets a lot cheers. She just has that connection with the audience, it also helps that she’s pretty solid looking. However, with little storylines to work with, it wouldn’t shock us if both the WWE and Lana came to terms on a release, especially with the influx of talent set to get called up from NXT.
13 Return – James Storm
In the fall of 2015, James Storm made his debut for NXT. Shockingly, his run came to an abrupt end early on as he instead opted to renew with TNA, a decision that hasn’t been worthwhile for many in the past. His former partner Booby Roode would eventually join NXT and capture the developmental brand’s championship while Storm left TNA due to new ownership.
His name is back in the headlines as he was spotted backstage for the go home shows for both Raw and SmackDown. Paige even posted a video showing Storm backstage. Recent rumors also indicate that he was at the same hotel as the other WWE stars during WrestleMania week. For April, Storm admitted he’s booked solid for indie events, though it wouldn’t shock us if he joins the company after the month of April.
12 Release – Neville
October 10th is the last time Neville was spotted backstage. That’s also the day he walked out of the company after plans revealed that he was scheduled to lose a lumberjack match against the former title holder, Enzo Amore. Despite rumors constantly linking Neville to a return, it’s been half a year since he walked out on the company, let that sink in for a moment. Most fans want the talented Superstar back in a WWE ring but at some point, we’ll all lose hope.
Given his talent, it’s a release nobody wants to see. The fact that he’s still sitting at home at this point really doesn’t help. If he isn’t featured on SmackDown Live or during the Superstar Shakeup, chances are, we won’t be seeing the King of the Cruiserweights in a WWE ring.
11 Return – Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio’s a prime example on how NOT to leave the company. His prior release in 2014 was on good terms, that kind of attitude led to a comeback in 2015. His return unfortunately was a nightmare, backstage officials grew sour of Del Rio for his relationship to Paige. It also didn’t help that Triple H wasn’t his biggest fan. According to Del Rio, McMahon had plans to make him great again but it just wasn’t enough to keep him at that point.
What followed was truly a dark moment in the professional career of Del Rio. Not only did he bad mouth Triple H but he was also linked to drug use and abuse. Since his breakup with Paige however, it seems as though he’s trying to get back on the good side of the WWE. Del Rio apologized to Triple H claiming his judgment was skewed by Paige’s family. He also recently visited the WWE HQ, we know Vince loves to guy so don’t be shocked if he gets one more run, perhaps alongside NXT’s Cien Almas in a mentor role.
10 Release – Jeff Hardy
He recently returned to WWE television following WrestleMania. Jeff received a massive ovation and he remains incredibly over. However, he’s walking on a tightrope nowadays given his recent arrest. WWE has zero tolerance when it comes to negative behavior behind the scenes, especially when it comes to repeat offenders like Jeff. Hardy was arrested in early March, just prior to Matt’s Ultimate Deletion segment - talk about bad timing? In all likelihood, given the fact that he’s a respected veteran, he was only given a slap on the wrist.
However, we don’t expect the same turn out if he repeats such behavior. It’ll be a devastating release if it is to happen. We hope Jeff can stay clean while thriving in the IC Title picture.
9 Return – Chris Jericho
Jericho’s recent WWE run had the fans buzzing. He found terrific chemistry with Kevin Owens and that eventually changed into a great rivalry. Chris leaving the company was an emotional moment. He returned briefly for the Raw 25 show getting one of the loudest pops of the night for his backstage segment alongside Elias.
Of course, Jericho worked New Japan taking on Kenny Omega. The match only enhanced his reputation and somehow, he remained in the good graces of Vince. Jericho even admitted to recently texting the boss man pitching a name for the women’s battle royal match. The heart of the matter, once Jericho’s cruise is done with, he’ll be thinking about a WWE ring, especially with the new influx of talent. Late 2018 or early 2019 are both possibilities.
8 Release – Sami Zayn
Looking back at the history of NXT, one of the biggest moves ever was signing Sami Zayn. He put the brand on the map with his brilliant abilities; his championship victory remains one of the top moments from the brand’s history. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to capture that same magic up on the main roster. Thankfully, changing Sami heel has helped him a heck of a lot, however, most would agree he isn’t where he should be.
According to the rumor mill, he and Vince aren’t on the greatest of terms. Zayn admitted that he’s tried to bond with the boss in the past but he just comes off as annoying. Jericho told a hilarious story of Zayn wishing McMahon a happy birthday only to get a look of disgust from the boss. We hope McMahon’s personal opinion of Sami won’t lead to his demise and a release nobody wants to see.
7 Return – Batista
WWE considered lots of names to appear alongside Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. The crop of talent considered featured both current members of the roster along with outside faces – among the current included Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins and Shane McMahon. However, the outside names caused more of a buzz and one of those was former WWE Champion Batista. Dave Meltzer reported that Batista had several discussions with the company about his involvement. Ultimately, the position was given to Kurt Angle.
Just days ago during an interview, Batista still remained positive when discussing a return. Not only does he want a comeback but he wants one of the full-time status. Perhaps he’ll return to feud with Brock or possibly serve a hand in the Rousey versus the Authority feud.
6 Release – Hideo Itami
He built up a tremendous resume with Pro Wrestling Noah. Itami was on the WWE’s radar for quite some time and his deal with NXT back in 2014 made him one of the biggest signings in the development’s history. Itami was expected to become an upper-card player and likely, NXT Champion. However, nagging injuries completely derailed those plans. Itami finally left NXT and some believe that was done out of sympathy more than anything else.
He’s with 205 Live and you rarely hear of him aside from the causal tag match. WWE clearly has no faith in him as he was quickly ousted from the Cruiserweight tournament losing to Roderick Strong, a guy who’s serving double duty with both 205 Live and NXT. Unless something drastic happens, Itami’s tough stretch might be coming to an end.
5 Return – Nikki Bella
Although some fans might not consider a Nikki Bella return of the emotional nature, lots of others tend to differ. Bella has a massive following and you can argue she’s the most popular female on either of the rosters just behind Ronda Rousey. Despite her lack of WWE appearances, Bella still remains in the spotlight due to her social media activity via YouTube and Instagram, not to mention her role on reality television.
A comeback is something Nikki desperately wants and with a shakeup on the way, that can lead to a return. Some speculated that she might return in a different capacity serving a role as the new GM of SmackDown. Is it just us, or does it sound like a wacky idea that just might work?
4 Release – Cesaro
When you think of “emotional releases” this one in particular would be hard to digest by lots of WWE fans. Since his days as a Paul Heyman guy, Cesaro looked like a sure WWE Champion. However, when that push wasn’t coming, fans started to speculate that there was a problem somewhere behind the scenes. McMahon himself addressed his concerns with Cesaro claiming the language barrier hurt his credibility. Vince loves the entertainment aspect of a performer and that might have harmed Cesaro’s potential.
Fans settled down following a great run alongside Sheamus. However, a disturbing squash type of WrestleMania loss to Braun Strowman once again angered fans. It isn’t out of the question to see Cesaro leave the company and two mutually agreeing to part ways.
3 Return – Rey Mysterio
Following his shocking Royal Rumble return, Rey’s name hasn’t stopped circulating, linking the former WWE Champion to a permanent return. Even during WrestleMania week the rumor mill was on fire stating that Mysterio was spotted at a hotel in New Orleans with other WWE stars. Some speculated he would appear on the show but ultimately, that didn’t happen.
It seems to be a situation of when and not if at this point. We won’t be shocked if Rey returns at some point in 2018, most would agree that returning to his old stomping grounds with SmackDown Live is what’s best for business. The company’s also working on a special Rey Mysterio documentary behind the scenes which all but confirms an emotional return.
2 Release – Paige
The Raw after WrestleMania featured some great debuts but it also featured the end of the road for a certain Superstar. Just 24 hours prior, Paige made the claim that she was on the road to recovery and only injured for the time being. Perhaps that did not sit well with the WWE brass backstage and she gave us some clarity. Paige admitted that her career as an in-ring talent is now over, though she remains optimistic about the future.
She’ll remain for the time being but chances are we won’t see Paige for much longer. Still in her 20s, Paige is going to venture into different avenues, acting being one of them. Although the WWE fans want her to stay with the company in some capacity, it’ll ultimately lead to a release that nobody wants to see.
1 Return – Hulk Hogan
It’s hard to believe, but in three months from now it’ll mark the three year anniversary of Hogan’s shocking WWE release. Since the scandal, Hogan has taken the wise decision to lay low and stay out of trouble. His name is finally starting to resurface, he was spotted at the Andre The Giant screening and was mentioned lots of times at the WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony. It seems clear that the WWE might be more open to seeing the Hulkster back in some capacity.
Hogan stated he would love to return as an in-ring act, however, to quote a wise man, he has “no chance in hell” of achieving that goal. Rumored gigs for Hogan include serving as the new GM of SmackDown Live, a position that sounds rather intriguing.