Clearly the game (pun fully intended) has changed since Triple H took over NXT. Among one of his many titles is Executive Vice-President of Talent Relations. Hunter has thrived in the spot recruiting some of the best talent from around the world. This was a problem with the WWE for quite some time during the outdated FCW system. The company was unwilling to sign stars from other companies. This isn't the case anymore with the current landscape completely changing. These days some of the top WWE stars have a deep resume with the likes of Impact – this was unthinkable years ago.
Point being, Triple H looks for the best talent from around the world. In this article we feature wrestlers that he would love to sign – in certain cases Hunter has admitted to having interest.
On the flip side, McMahon is more of an old school soul. Take nothing away from his business mind-set, the guy is a genius however when it comes to his taste in talent the philosophy might be outdated. Vince keeps in the WWE bubble and he rarely takes a look at what’s available outside of the company. Therefore, if it is up to Vince a return is more likely than a debut thanks to the familiarity aspect. We’ll diagnose the 10 wrestlers that have the best chance of returning.
Enjoy the article folks and like always be sure to share it with a friend. Without further ado here are 10 wrestlers Triple H wants to sign and 10 Vince wants to bring back. Let’s get started!
20 Triple H - The Elite
"As far as a Kenny Omega goes, I'm just interested in talent, period," Triple H said, via ESPN. To me, anytime anybody questions me on a talent -- Am I interested in them? -- the fact that you're questioning me on them means that person is probably pretty talented, so, yes, I'm interested.”
Omega himself discussed that Triple H told him whenever he wanted a spot with NXT a private plane was waiting for him. Clearly, Hunter has interest in the biggest star outside of the WWE. These days Triple H’s right-hand is Shawn Michaels and HBK has also discussed that he wants the Young Bucks with company in addition to Omega. Before launching SmackDown with Fox expect the company to make a serious push at the trio.
19 Vince McMahon - Alberto Del Ro
“I’ve always been on good terms with Vince McMahon. The other stuff is public knowledge, my stuff with other people. I always take responsibility for my actions and I know I got it wrong, I made a mistake and I misjudged someone in that company last year. And being the man I am and of course I called him and I apologized for that and we’re good.”
Of course, Del Rio’s talking about Triple H and his harsh words for The Game following his release. McMahon has always had a soft spot for Del Rio and despite the falling out Alberto was welcomed to the WWE HQ to work on a Rey Mysterio special. Surely he got to talk with Vince and this will likely lead to another return. In fact, Del Rio claims he’ll have one more run with company before calling it a career.
18 Triple H - Cris Cyborg & Paige VanZant
Triple H is no fool to what’s best for business. The Game is a huge reason for Ronda Rousey signing with the company. He might be inking two more UFC stars at some point. Both VanZant and Cyborg have openly expressed their desires to join the WWE. So much so that Cyborg is teasing a WrestleMania match against Rousey. This would be a monumental clash and one Hunter is not going to overlook.
Paige VanZant is another UFC star with lots of interest in joining the WWE. Given her look and charisma this would be another blockbuster signing by The Game. After some good training at the PC these women would a chance to become monumental female stars in the business. Under Hunter’s guidance that’s almost a guarantee.
17 Vince McMahon - Chris Jericho
There will come a time when both Chris Jericho and Vince McMahon agree on a return. We’ve seen it so many times in the past, when McMahon needs Jericho, Chris tends to answer the call.
Y2J promises a crazy 2019. With McMahon plotting a massive WrestleMania card it would not shock us in the slightest if the boss gives Jericho an offer he just can’t refuse. The veteran continues to enjoy life outside of the WWE however this won’t be forever. The two sides will cross paths again and when the time is right Jericho will come back home. Look for this to take shape before WWE makes the move to Fox.
16 Triple H - Bandido
Triple H and company might be plotting a Lucha Revolution of sorts behind the scenes. Not only is the company interested in Pentagon Jr., along with various other masked indie talents but they’re also scouting Mexican indie standout Bandido.
According to the recent news WWE is heavily scouting the talent back in Mexico. It seems as though an offer is very likely to take shape in the upcoming weeks. NXT might be a different landscape with Bandido and Pentagon Jr. both leading the way. Not to mention the return of Rey Mysterio to the main roster. Talk about mouth-watering dream matches huh?
15 Vince McMahon – Batista
“I’m proud to say that I've never really cut those ties with WWE and I've always stayed in contact with them. They know that I'm always open to going back, it just has to be on the right conditions. I have to be available. "As long as that makes sense, I'd love to go back because I miss it. I miss the audience, the immediate feedback, the adrenaline rush of the physical performance.” (Source: Sky Sports)
Clearly Batista wants to return. Although he’s also openly admitted to the WWE snubbing him in the past there will come a moment when Vince turns on a dime and welcomes The Animal back into the wilderness. We’ve seen this time and time again especially when WWE needs something big in the rating department.
Update: Perhaps with SmackDown’s declining attendance the time is now. According to recent news Batista is set for an Evolution reunion during SmackDown’s 1,000th episode.
14 Triple H - Robbie E
“I just want to be wrestling full-time. I want to say my job is wrestling. I drive a nice car, live in a nice house. I want to stay busy traveling the world wrestling. Of course, everyone’s number one is WWE.”(Source:Pro Wrestling)
Robbie E wasn’t playing around with this statement. Just months later in the early summer months Robbie visited the Performance Center attending a WWE tryout. According to the rumblings the tryout went very well and Robbie joining NXT seems like a legit possibility.
Hunter is always looking for fresh acts and the 34 year old veteran can definitely provide the brand with that. It also helps that he’s an established performer than can also provide a helping hand to the younger talents. A win-win signing for The Game.
13 Vince McMahon – Eva Marie
“I have such a great relationship with Paul and Stephanie. They gave me an opportunity to step away and film these two films I have done already, and you never know when that relationship will come back. So I might appear at a SummerSlam or WrestleMania.” (Source: Daily Wrestling News)
That might not be music to the ears of every wrestling fan. Eva wants to be similar to The Rock and John Cena finding success outside of the WWE and then return to her old stomping grounds. Knowing Vince, if Eva can obtain even moderate success away from the company he’ll welcome her back in – even if it just gets the fans talking again.
12 Triple H – James Storm
It was a surprising decision to see James Storm work so briefly with NXT. The veteran ultimately decided to stay loyal to Impact. Given that he’s no longer with Impact and a performer we rarely hear about clearly Storm made the wrong decision.
However there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. Storm has interest in returning and he even teased a comeback taking a picture with a WWE worker behind the scenes. This has the fans buzzing at the very least. Always looking for veterans Hunter might give Storm a second chance with NXT.
11 Vince McMahon - Goldberg
Goldberg isn't entirely done with the squared circle despite the Hall of Fame induction. The former Universal Champion has shown interest in taking on either The Undertaker or Roman Reigns. Knowing Vince’s willingness to always put Roman over the top a Goldberg return might be a wise decision for the boss. That’s especially true given Goldberg and McMahon’s newfound respect for one another following his latest run.
Another way Goldberg can return is if a big injury takes place. Knowing that Goldberg’s willing to return he can be just the replacement McMahon needs.
10 Triple H – Walter
Back in May it was reported that WWE had interest in both Keith Lee and Walter. Surely, it was The Game that had his eye on these mammoth men for NXT. Lee was signed to a deal most recently however Walter was not.
According to the Wrestling Observer the WWE has reopened their interest in the indie star. Walter has also spoke out via Twitter defending the WWE claiming there a big reason for the success of the indies. Maybe he’s trying to butter Hunter up;
“I see a lot of people talk bad stuff about WWE and how it’s bad for Indy Wrestling. That is simply not true, weekends like the upcoming one would not be possible without them.”
9 Vince McMahon - AJ Lee
According to speculation it was Vince McMahon himself that reached out to AJ Lee. We don’t know for sure, however AJ has expressed interest in returning claiming she misses the ring. Retiring in her 20s that isn’t the biggest surprise – the question remains will she ever return to a WWE ring? Vince would like to think so.
With the women’s Evolution PPV looming it would take a serious pitch by the boss himself to get AJ back on board. If she is to returns it’ll be because of Vince McMahon and surely not Triple H given his past relationship with CM Punk.
8 Triple H - Chelsea Green
“I’m going to give it my all, but I’m also going to know my worth, know that I have options, and that’s the best feeling in the world.”(Source Orlando Sentinel)
These are the words from Chelsea Green prior to her WWE tryout this past summer. Alongside Robbie E Green also took part in the tryout. Despite conflicting reports the former Tough Enough star was not offered a WWE deal.
For the time being she’ll keep earning her stripes away from the WWE. However with women’s wrestling constantly expanding look for NXT to lose lots of women. This should solidify Green’s WWE contract. Triple H will sign her to a deal when the time is right.
7 Vince McMahon – Big Cass
There was a point in which Vince McMahon had lots of confidence in Big Cass. The reason Amore and Cass splitting up in the first place was with the intent to make the big man a pretty big deal during a solo run. However injury plans derailed that. Even with his return McMahon kept booking Cass with lots of steam feuding with the likes of Daniel Bryan.
It just wasn’t meant to be for Cass, his backstage demeanor rubbed many the wrong way and that includes Vince McMahon. Cass has stated that he plans on returning to the WWE. Given McMahon’s love for Cass in the past he might get another try when the time is right – for now he’ll have to earn his former boss respect out on the indies.
6 Triple H – Rosemary
Triple H loves unique talent. Asuka is a prime example of that. Perhaps Impact star Rosemary can follow the same trajectory. In truth there is nobody that looks or performs like Rosemary. She would become an instant star under Triple H’s watch.
The proof might be in the pudding. A fake YouTube video featuring Rosemary interrupting Charlotte hit a near 400,000 views. If the fans want it bad enough Triple H will make it happen. Once her Impact contract expires expect Hunter to make a serious pitch from the one who hails from the Valley Of The Shadows.
5 Vince McMahon - Jack Swagger
“It’s hard for me to look back with any regret. It’s a lot of lessons. Something I didn’t accomplish, that’s on me, I’m not bitter about it. I am very thankful for my career there and I believe I will be back.”(Source: Ringside News)
He wants a return at some point and knowing Vince’s feelings towards Swagger that might come to fruition at some point down the road. This might not be the most intriguing return on the list however take nothing away from Swagger’s success under Vince’s watch, the guy is a former World Heavyweight Champion. With such a resume and relationship with Vince this should solidify a return in the future.
4 Triple H - Fenix
With Rey Mysterio’s WWE return looming it seems as though Fenix and Pentagon Jr.’s names are becoming more and more apparent in the rumor mill. As we discussed earlier NXT might have a different flavor in the future and Fenix might be another name to add to that list. Hunter is no fool when it comes to talent, clearly he sees the upside in the Mexican star.
Fenix idolizes Rey Mysterio and he also tries to emulate his style. With Rey recently signing with the WWE this might facilitate an agreement with the two sides. Fans that know what Fenix brings to the table hope this goes down sooner rather than later. Make it happen Papa Hunter.
3 Vince McMahon - Hulk Hogan
Hulk is slowly getting eased back into things. However we have yet to see the Hulkster on WWE programming. That might be changing real soon. According to a recent tweet issued by a Saudi Arabia representative Hogan is to appear at the Crown Jewel event overseas. This would be a major deal and one that would see Hogan finally return after a hiatus dating back to 2015.
Clearly McMahon has always had a soft spot for Hogan and he’s the biggest reason for the second chance. It remains to be seen whether or not Hulk competes in the ring - he has shown interest in a match with Braun Strowman. However Hogan being back on WWE TV is a big deal in itself for the time being.
2 Triple H – Pentagon Jr.
“I have yet to be contacted by them, they have not contacted me personally. [As far as taking a WWE deal] I don’t know. I would have to take a look at the offer and see what’s out there before committing to an answer. I’m very happy with where I stand, but WWE has never contacted me personally. We’ll see what happens in the future.”(Source: Ringside News)
Now we might be speculating here but that sounds like a guy that would jump on a WWE contract. Pentagon’s name continues to run across all the rumor mills. Just days ago it was said that WWE was eyeing the talent once his prior commitments are done with. NXT hasn’t had a masked star lead the way. It can be a first for Hunter’s brand. Look for Triple H to make a serious pitch at the wrestler in the fall months. He’ll be a WWE star by 2019, surely.
1 Vince McMahon - The Rock
Hulk Hogan was once the biggest star created by Vince McMahon. However you can argue this has changed given the box office star The Rock has now become.
Of course, with such fame Vince is always interested in having The Rock back in the company. Rumors have been swirling to a possible SmackDown 1,000 return by The Great One. Another scenario links The Rock to possibly taking on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 35. The chances of seeing Johnson back in 2018 or in 2019 on WWE programming remain quite high.