As noted earlier, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has stated that fans can expect “surprises” at tomorrow’s Wrestlepalooza premium live event. This comment, combined with the fact that the event is WWE’s first Premium Live Event (PLE) to be broadcast on ESPN, has led to fan speculation regarding potential debuts or returns.
Below is a list of individuals not currently active on the WWE roster and wrestlers who have been absent from WWE TV in recent weeks and months.
Potential WWE Returns:
- The Rock: While focused on his acting career and other business ventures, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson remains a major figure in the wrestling world. He was appointed to the TKO Group Holdings Board of Directors in January 2024, keeping him formally connected to the company. His appearances are rare but always generate significant mainstream attention, making him a prime candidate for a major, headline-grabbing moment to launch the ESPN era.
- Stone Cold Steve Austin: Austin’s last official match was an impromptu bout at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. Reports earlier this year indicated that he may be open to wrestling again, leading to speculation that he could have one more match at a future event, possibly WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. While another match may not be imminent, a non-wrestling appearance at Wrestlepalooza would still be a notable event.
- Saraya: The former WWE Divas Champion (as Paige) is currently a free agent after her contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) expired. In recent interviews, she has talked about her training for an in-ring comeback and has spoken fondly of her time in WWE. A return to the company, under the creative direction of Triple H who oversaw her rise in NXT, would be a significant development for the women’s division.
- Ronda Rousey: The former UFC champion’s last WWE match was at SummerSlam in August 2023. Since her departure, she has been openly critical of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon in her memoir, “Our Fight,” but has been complimentary of Triple H’s leadership, stating she wishes her last run had been under his creative direction. A return under the new regime is a possibility that would bring a major star back into the fold.
- Gunther: The former record-setting Intercontinental Champion and World Heavyweight Champion has been absent from WWE programming since losing his title to CM Punk at SummerSlam on August 2. Reports suggest he suffered a minor nose injury in that match and has been taking time off, with his return expected imminently. An appearance at Wrestlepalooza would mark his first since the title loss.
- Ilja Dragunov: The former NXT Champion was called up to the Raw roster after WrestleMania 40 but suffered a torn ACL in late September 2024. Recent reports indicate that he has been medically cleared to return to the ring for several weeks and is waiting for the right creative storyline to be brought back to television.
- Rey Mysterio: The WWE Hall of Famer has been out of action since April 2025 after suffering a torn groin during WrestleMania 41 weekend. He has made non-wrestling appearances for AAA in Mexico during his recovery, and recent reports suggest he is getting closer to being medically cleared for an in-ring return.
- Dakota Kai: A multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, Kai was released from her WWE contract on May 2, 2025. Her 90-day non-compete clause expired in late July, making her a free agent. A return would be a surprise given her recent release but is not without precedent in the wrestling industry.
- Killer Kross: While all indications are that his WWE release was legitimate, there’s always the possibility that WWE will call him and Scarlett back. Kross has been working on independent shows but there’s nothing that says he couldn’t show up at Wrestlepalooza.
WWE has also leaned heavily on sports stars and celebrities so, given that this is ESPN, anyone can show up. Who do you want to see show up at Wrestlepalooza? Click below and drop your comment on our Facebook page.
Click here for details on how you can watch Wrestlepalooza on ESPN.
