You can repackage and turn characters to differing results, but most of all with wrestling fans, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Even after the “Superstar Shake-up” to an already diverse roster across both brands, its hard not to notice those missing from the WWE product. Whether from injury, retirement, or greener pastures (hollywood, rival companies) there’s no greater pop than an unexpected comeback. See the recent returns of fan favorites like the Hardy Boyz and Goldberg; or from the injured list, Finn Balor and Naomi. And while we continue to speculate about possible returns of legends like Hulk Hogan, Dave Bautista, and Daniel Bryan, here are 5 superstars we can actually expect to see step back in the ring much sooner
Braun Strowman
Just as RAW was building the Monster Among Men into the ultimate unstoppable ambulance-flipping giant, he was taken from us by a shoulder injury that brought an abrupt end to his feud with Roman Reigns. But where reports differ as to whether he’ll be out for six whole months, or back in time to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, his unexpected absence has resultedย to quite a few changes in just the past weeks- including a Fatal Five Way at Extreme Rules to determine the number one contender who will face Lesnarย first at *sigh*…ย Great Balls of Fire
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Kofi Kingston / The New Day
It made perfect sense for the New Day to be traded to SmackDownLive in the Superstar Shake-up. But over a month has passed and the former tag champions have yet to debut on the program. There’s been a booty shaped hole in the blue-brand’s humor side ever since Kofiย Kingston sustained a knee injury in their loss to the Revival (Though Tyler Breeze and Fandango have been doing the best work of their career attemptingย to fill the gap with their Fashion Files segments).ย According to rumors and reports, we can expect to see the trio bring the power of positivityย to Tuesday nights by June, and possibly to pursue a singles title rather than the tag belts.
Rusev
Like The New Day, Rusev and his wife Lana were sent to SmackDownย Live in the Superstar Shake-Up, but have yet to debut on the blue brand due to an injury that has kept the Bulgarian Brute sidelined since before WrestleMania. While the rumor is they’re being split up into singles competitors, as evidenced by her Emmalina-esqueย taped commercials, we have yet to see how exactly their roles will or won’t change as a result. Just as it looked like the Rusev might be set for a babyfaceย turn, he instead began delivering taped promos demanding a championship shot at Money in the Bankย as a condition for his return. Echoing the statements of both his former tag partner Jinderย Mahalย and to an extent Kevin Owens, could we seeย a League of Nations-likeย faction forming on Tuesday nights?
John Cena
The Face Who Runs the Place has faced his share of criticism since going part-time with the WWE. Cena has been out of action since WrestleManiaย 33 working on various projects including promoting his new movie, The Wall, and filming Daddy’s Home 2. The newly-engaged superstarย is set to return as soon as early July, with scheduled appearance atย SmackDownย Live’sย 4th of July event. Whether he’ll stick around for long, or return to film moreย Total Divas/Bellas, movies, and hosting appearances remains to be seen. And then there’s that question of entering the political arena…
Paige
This one may be less certain thanย the rest on this list, butย despite pastย troubles with the company, the timing could soon be right for a return from the Total Divas star. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is currently producing a movie based on her life, titled Fighting With My Family. However, Paige has also seen her share of problems that may prevent her from returning, such as recent the NSFW video and photo leakย that put her in the headlines, and the fact that her fiance, Alberto Del Rio, has been so outspoken against the WWE since leaving the company and joining Impact Wrestling.
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Honorable Mentions: Zack Ryder, Emma, Stephanie McMahon
