5 Former Superstars who may never return to WWE ever again 

There's a common phrase in the wrestling world that many former WWE stars like to use — Never Say Never. This phrase seems to be the most common reaction from stars to any question regarding a return to the company. WWE often reaches out to former talent to offer deals that are hard to refuse.

Over the years, several stars have vowed never to return to WWE, given the way they left the company. But even Bret Hart, who held quite the grudge following Survivor Series in 1997, has since returned.

Who could forget @BretHart's HISTORIC return to @WWE? #WWECountdown #WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/iBn1HhrGjm

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 3, 2018

Professional wrestling is an ever-changing business. But at present, there are so many promotions around the world that a return to WWE isn't the only option for former stars following their release.

The following list looks at just five former WWE stars who may never return to Vince McMahon's promotion. This could be because of the way that they decided to leave, or based on factors that are completely out of their control.

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#5. Former WWE Champion CM Punk

There was a time when CM Punk was seen as The Self Proclaimed Best in the World. He was at the height of his career in WWE but opted to walk away from the company seven years ago.

Since then, Punk has tried his hand at UFC and dipped his toes in the acting business. While the star has teased a return to the ring, it is yet to come to fruition. Punk had issues backstage in WWE before his departure and it's clear that if he made his return then it would be more of the same.

With All Elite Wrestling now offering the former Champion a chance to return to the spotlight without having to rub shoulders with Vince McMahon and Triple H, it could be a much better option.

AEW was once interested in signing the controversial former WWE star. But at 42-years-old, it could be argued that any run as part of a company right now would end in his official retirement.

Punk continues to tease a return but in a more sarcastic tone these days. Since seven years have already gone by, it's likely that the opportunity to capitalize on his WWE return has now passed.

#4. Former WWE star Jordan Myles

After making a name for himself in several independent promotions, ACH finally made his way to WWE in February 2019 and was added to the NXT roster.

ACH was later given the ring name Jordan Myles and won the NXT Breakout Tournament. As a result, he was then handed a shot at Adam Cole and the NXT Championship, even though he came up short.

Myles seemed as though he had a good career ahead of him in WWE until the company released his first piece of merchandise in October later that year. The shirt received many complaints. WWE was then forced to pull it from their website and order a redesign before Myles went on a Twitter rant about the company he was signed for.

The following month he released a video, claiming that he had quit WWE. He accused the company of racism whilst also stating that Jordan Myles was his "slave name." WWE later announced his release and Myles has since picked up where he left off on the independent circuit.

#3. Former WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee

Much like her husband CM Punk, AJ Lee walked away from the company of her own accord and has made the decision not to return to WWE since. Lee retired from WWE following WrestleMania back in 2015 and has since focused on her career as a writer.

Lee is now a New York Times Best Selling Author and hasn't stepped foot in a wrestling ring in almost six years. The former Divas Champion noted that she had suffered permanent damage to her cervical spine when she left WWE, which was one of the main reasons why she retired in her late 20s.

Lee hasn't even teased a return to WWE over the past few years, but like many wrestlers when asked, she has stated — Never Say Never.

The Women's Revolution could have been a great time for Lee to return and make some kind of impact since she was one of the flagbearers of WWE's female stars. Much like with her husband, Lee could decide that it's too late to return to the business and prefer to accept the memories that she made at the highest level whilst she was there.

#2. Former WWE Women's Champion Layla

Layla was the last ever non-brand Women's Champion in WWE and someone who has been missed throughout the Women's Revolution. Whilst her former partner Michelle McCool has returned several times, Layla has made it clear that this chapter in her life is now closed.

The former Champion retired from WWE back in 2015. She has since married fellow wrestler Ricky Ortiz and started a career as a real estate agent.

Layla enjoyed several years out of the spotlight. In a recent interview, the former Champion made it clear that she was happy with the memories and had no reason to return to the ring.

“I just feel that I had a very fruitful, long career. And I attained everything I possibly could have attained in WWE, and I was given every opportunity. That door’s closed, and I’m okay with that. And I feel just happy that I was able to have that. I look at my past, and I’m like, ‘Wow I did all that stuff,’ and that was just how I’d like to keep it.”

It appears that several female stars from the past are yet to be seduced by the idea of returning to be part of WWE's Women's Revolution.

#1. Former WWE Women's Champion Melina

Former Women's Champion Melina was linked to rumors in 2020 which stated that she had re-signed with WWE. The former star initially denied any links to the company. However, it was later revealed that she was in talks for a return, even if no contract was signed.

Recently, Melina revealed on Vickie Guerrero's Excuse Me Podcast that she is struggling with an ACL injury that will require surgery and could hinder the chances of an in-ring return.

"The sad part is I was told that I have — well basically, my ACL is hanging by a thread I think. I need to call the doctor and have them explain it to me, but that’s what was explained to them. They’re like, ‘No, her ACL is shot.’ I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve been working on this knee and I didn’t even know this. So I need surgery and the thing is I don’t when I’m gonna get surgery, when I’m able to do that and by the time I do that and I heal, will I still be able to come back? Will my body still hold up?"

At 41-years-old, surgery of this caliber could mark the end of Melina's wrestling career for good. As a result, she may not be able to make that surprise WWE return.