The Big Picture

The wrestling world is currently reeling from a volatile mix of high-profile comebacks and sudden departures. While WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas reset the board for the global leaders, the return of long-sidelined athletes and the fallout from the April 24 roster purge has created a chaotic environment where veteran status guarantees nothing. This list ranks the most impactful returns, from those finally ending injury layoffs to those making their final laps in the ring.

Mid-Card Resurrections and Missed Connections

Rank 10: Rob Van Dam

The Hall of Famer recently clarified that a potential in-ring return to WWE television fell through despite positive momentum. RVD had been appearing on NXT television to support the younger generation, leading many to believe a final run was imminent. Instead, the 55-year-old high-flyer remains a special attraction outside the weekly grind.

It is a disappointing outcome for fans who wanted to see one last Five-Star Frog Splash on a major stage. The timing seemed right given the focus on legends in the build to Las Vegas, but the deal apparently hit a snag before ink met paper. RVD still possesses the flexibility of a man half his age, but his window for a meaningful WWE return is slamming shut.

Rank 9: Mercedes Martinez

The former AEW star made headlines this week by being brutally honest about her lack of a television return before her January exit. Martinez revealed that she sat under contract for months without being utilized, a frustrating period for a veteran of her caliber. She publicly questioned the logic of being paid to sit at home while the women's division struggled for depth.

This entry highlights the darker side of the wrestling return cycle. Sometimes the return never happens because the booking team has simply moved on. Martinez is now a free agent, returning to the independent circuit where her technical skill is actually appreciated. Her departure was a quiet end to a tenure that promised much more than it delivered.

Rank 8: Hikaru Shida

Shida remains the ultimate rotation player for AEW, frequently returning from Japan to bolster the division before vanishing again. Her most recent stint has provided much-needed stability following the post-Dynasty injury wave. She remains one of the few performers who can walk into a title program without a week of build-up.

The lack of a long-term storyline for Shida remains a glaring flaw in the AEW structure. She is often used as a high-level gatekeeper rather than a focal point. While her returns are always greeted with enthusiasm, the repetitive nature of her booking suggests a ceiling she may never break again. Fans deserve a more sustained run for the longest-reigning champion in the company's history.

The Injury Comeback Trail

Rank 7: The Independent Circuit Returns

The roster purge on April 24, 2026, has sent a dozen established names back to the independent scene. While technically a set of departures, it marks the return of top-tier talent to promotions like GCW and RevPro. This influx of televised talent will inevitably raise the standard of the local shows throughout May and June.

The negative here is the sudden loss of livelihood for several reliable hands who did nothing wrong. It is a cold reminder that the post-WrestleMania season is as much about budget cuts as it is about creative resets. Seeing names like Indus Sher or various NXT mainstays return to the high school gyms is a humbling sight for the performers and a windfall for the fans.

Rank 6: Jamie Hayter

Concerns were high after Hayter was pulled from the schedule following a grueling match at AEW Dynasty on March 30. However, Jamie Hayter’s injury status is reportedly less severe than initial rumors suggested. She has been vocal about her desire to get back to the ring immediately to capitalize on her momentum.

Hayter’s return to the active roster is the most important piece of the puzzle for the AEW women's division. Her physical style and stiff lariats provide a grit that is often missing from the product. If she can avoid a long-term stint on the shelf, she is the clear favorite to challenge for the gold by the time Double or Nothing rolls around in May. Anything less than a main-event return would be a waste of her star power.

Rank 5: Buddy Matthews

After a 14-month absence that left the House of Black feeling incomplete, Buddy Matthews is finally on the verge of a comeback. He has been teasing his return through cryptic social media posts, focusing on his physical transformation during the time away. His presence adds a level of athleticism to the trio that they have struggled to replicate with substitutes.

The wait has been agonizingly slow for fans of the Australian striker. Matthews is arguably one of the best technical workers in the world, yet he has spent over a year as a ghost in the system. His return needs to be more than just a background role in Malakai Black's shadow. He has the potential to be a breakout singles star if the creative team stops treating him like an accessory.

The Heavy Hitters

Rank 4: CM Punk

The return of CM Punk to a full-time wrestling schedule culminated in a massive showdown at Allegiant Stadium last week. After a year of injuries and backstage drama, Punk finally proved he can still go at the highest level. His presence in the locker room has shifted the power dynamic of the brand, for better or worse.

There is always a looming threat of another injury with Punk, which makes every return feel like a gamble. He looked winded in the final minutes of his WrestleMania match, raising questions about his stamina for a grueling summer schedule. Still, the ratings don't lie. When Punk is on screen, people watch, even if they are just waiting for the next controversy to erupt.

Rank 3: Roman Reigns

The return of the original Tribal Chief to confront the Solo Sikoa-led version of the Bloodline was the highlight of the Vegas weekend. Reigns has transitioned into a new role, one that relies less on the title and more on his aura as the endgame boss. His return marks the start of a civil war that will likely dominate the summer months.

The problem with this return is the inevitable stalling that occurs between his limited appearances. If Roman is not on television every week, the Bloodline story often feels like it is running in place. He is the sun that the entire WWE universe revolves around, but the shadow he leaves when he goes back on hiatus is massive. The company needs to find a way to keep the momentum going without him.

Rank 2: Noam Dar

The Supernova is officially back. On April 24, 2026, Noam Dar made his in-ring return at an NXT live event in Dade City, Florida. This ended a 10-month injury absence that had kept the leader of Meta-Four off television since last summer. Noam Dar's official return saw him immediately reclaim his spot as the most charismatic heel in the developmental system.

Dar did not look like a man who had been sitting on a couch for nearly a year. He moved with the same frantic energy and technical precision that made him a standout in the Heritage Cup divisions. His return provides NXT with a much-needed veteran presence to anchor the Tuesday night broadcasts. The only downside is that Meta-Four has felt aimless without him, and they will need a few weeks to find their rhythm again as a unit.

Rank 1: John Cena

No return carries more weight than the start of John Cena’s farewell tour. Returning at WrestleMania 41, Cena has committed to a schedule that will see him wrestle through the end of 2026. This is not a one-off cameo or a quick payday; it is a sustained return to the trenches for the greatest of all time.

The risk here is the potential for Cena to overshadow the young talent he is supposed to be helping. Every match he wins is a victory for nostalgia, but a potential loss for the future. However, his ability to draw a crowd is unmatched, and his return has single-handedly boosted ticket sales for the upcoming post-Mania tour. This is the gold standard for how a legend should return to the fold.

Honorable Mentions

Braun Strowman continues to linger on the fringes of a return, though his recovery from neck surgery remains slow. Similarly, Kenny Omega’s status remains the biggest question mark in Jacksonville, with fans hoping for a surprise appearance every time the lights go out. Finally, Alexa Bliss remains the most requested return in the women's division, as her absence has left a character-driven void that no one else has been able to fill.