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One of the saddest parts of being a WWE fan is seeing some of our favorite superstars released from their contracts. At the end of the day, an individual's livelihood has been taken away from them, which in turn could their families.
COVID-19 pandemic has massively impacted the economy, and almost every organization had to lay several employees off. Similarly, WWE also released a chunk of their employees during budget cuts.
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That being said, let's take a look at five released superstars who could return to WWE.
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#5 Carlito could return to WWE full-time
Carlito made his name in WWE during the Ruthless Aggression era. The WWE Universe regularly praised him for his natural charisma and in-ring athleticism.
He debuted on WWE in 2004 as Carlito Caribbean Cool and left in 2010. During his six years with the company, he became a one-time Intercontinental Champion and the United States Champion.
The Puerto Rican Superstar surprised the WWE Universe in January 2021 after entering eighth in the Men's Royal Rumble. He also appeared the following night on Monday Night RAW to team up with Jeff Hardy. Sadly, following this appearance, Carlito didn't appear again.
Many in the WWE Universe were delighted to see Carlito in such great shape, delivering high-level performances. Following his appearance earlier this year, Carlito said he is open to working with WWE again:
"Yea I’m open, you know, I’m open to whatever. Whoever wants to use me I’m willing to listen. But like I said I’ve been doing my own thing for all of these years and if it stays that way I’m fine with that too," Carlito said. (h/t Wrestling Inc.)
Carlito would be a welcome addition to the WWE roster. He would add experience and would be able to deliver some exceptional matches with today's current roster. Not only that, he could lend a hand behind the scenes with production and coaching as well.
#4 James Storm could return to WWE
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, James Storm was set to debut on WWE's main roster following WrestleMania 36. In 2015, Storm had some NXT tryouts but opted not to sign with the company. Could now be the time we finally see "The Cowboy" join the ranks full-time in WWE?
He would be another experienced addition to WWE's young and developing roster. Storm can be a singles wrestler and also a tag team wrestler. Of course, his former tag team partner Robert Roode has signed with WWE, which opens up the potential for a reunion.
Storm spoke to Pro Wrestling Sheet to reveal the details behind his - almost - signing with WWE in 2020:
"I get home and I see I got an email from Canyon Ceman saying, 'Hey, we're interested. Paul Heyman wants me to reach out and bring you to Raw. I was like, 'Wait ... I think Bobby is going to Raw. Hmmm. This could be interesting.' Ya know?," Storm said.
Who knows if we'll see James Storm in a RAW or SmackDown ring soon? At the age of 44, he still has a lot of potential.
#3 Curtis Axel could return to WWE
WWE released Curtis Axel in April 2020. However, he visited the company backstage at SmackDown on July 30 this year. The son of "Mr. Perfect" had unquestionable talent but was surprisingly underrated during WWE.
The former WWE Intercontinental Champion has maintained a low-profile since his release. In his last televised match on February 2020. Axel lost to Daniel Bryan on SmackDown.
Curtis Axel's recent visit earlier in the summer has raised various questions. He also posted a cryptic tweet that simply said "last night" with a thinking emoji the following day.
Of course, if Curtis Axel were to return, he'd undoubtedly need to be showcased how he should be. The company should use his charisma and natural talents, and maybe Axelmania will run wild in WWE once again.
#2 Sarah Logan could return to WWE
Following Sarah Logan's release from WWE in April 2020, her life completely changed. She announced that she was pregnant in July later that year and decided to follow some of her passions, such as hunting and farming.
The former Riott Squad member began wrestling at the age of 17. Now, at the age of 28, she still has plenty of time to find her way back to the ring. She certainly had untapped potential that WWE could make use of.
Logan, married to Erik of The Viking Raiders in WWE, gave birth in February 2021. She spoke on Renee Pacquette's Oral Sessions podcast in August about WWE:
"To be honest, it’s hard for me to watch WWE television because, you know, it’s an unclosed chapter in my life, in my opinion. But I’ll watch RAW just so we can watch his matches. Me and Ray were together before WWE. I know his struggle. I know what obstacles he had to overcome to get to eat at that table. I’m thankful that he’s there for our sake, and I love that he’s there for his sake. I don’t want him to ever, you know, not work there if that’s what he wants to do," Sarah Logan said. (h/t Wrestling Inc.)
It would be great to see Sarah Logan back at WWE someday. The door will likely be open for her when the time is right.
#1 Braun Strowman could return to WWE
One of the biggest releases WWE made earlier this year was the contract termination of Braun Strowman. "The Monster Amongst Men" was a crucial player in the company and had broken through as a main-event superstar. He even signed a long-term lucrative new contract just months before his release.
There has been speculation recently that Braun Strowman could be on his way to IMPACT Wrestling. His first appearance could be as soon as Bound for Glory, on October 23, 2021.
It would be something of a coup for IMPACT, but Strowman's home is with WWE. Strowman, who is also a mental health advocate, spoke to CBR about his current position in life:
"I felt like God put me on this Earth to be a WWE superstar. And for a while, he did. But in the realization of hitting what my rock bottom was, I realized that I was put on this Earth to do more than that. I was put on this Earth to inspire people." Braun Strowman said. (CBR.com)
Strowman's return to WWE would add some much-needed star power. Looking at the SmackDown roster, currently, WWE could do with another strong babyface on the blue brand.
