5 Absent WWE Superstars And How They Could Return In 2026

Several WWE Superstars are currently sidelined. Some are out of action due to injuries, while others are taking time off. That said, with the road to SummerSlam coming up, fans can expect these stars to return soon. Given the current landscape, there are several exciting opportunities for them to make a splash immediately upon returning.

In this listicle, we will look at five absent WWE Superstars and how they could return in 2026.

#5. WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella

Nikki Bella has been out of action since suffering a serious ankle injury during a tag team match on SmackDown in March. The injury forced her to miss WrestleMania 42. As a result, Paige stepped in as Brie’s partner and the duo went on to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.

However, Nikki’s return could complicate that situation. The Hall of Famer could return and reunite with her sister, only to find that Brie has enjoyed success alongside Paige. That would immediately create an interesting dynamic between the three women.

Moreover, WWE would not have to look far for a storyline. Nikki and Brie could decide that the tag team division is their territory and turn on Paige to reform The Bella Twins.

A heel turn would also give the duo a fresh direction. The Bella Twins have spent most of their recent appearances as fan favorites, so a more aggressive approach could help them stand out.

#4. Stephanie Vaquer

Stephanie Vaquer has been absent from WWE television since shortly after WrestleMania 42. La Primera lost the Women’s World Championship to Liv Morgan at The Show of Shows.

However, she made it clear on the following episode of RAW that she was not done with The Miracle Kid and intended to pursue a rematch. Those plans were put on hold when Vaquer suffered a shoulder injury. WWE later wrote her off television with a backstage attack by The Judgment Day.

That said, the path for her return is already there. Morgan is still the Women’s World Champion, and the issues between the two stars were never resolved. Moreover, Vaquer never received the rematch that many expected after WrestleMania.

La Primera could come back and immediately target the champion, picking up where their story left off. It would give Morgan a major challenger and allow WWE to revisit a feud that was interrupted by injury rather than brought to a natural conclusion.

#3. Sheamus

Sheamus has been out of action since late 2025 due to a shoulder injury. The injury forced him to undergo surgery and miss several months of programming.

That said, The Celtic Warrior has recently resumed training, suggesting that a return could be on the horizon. When he does come back, SmackDown could be a good fit.

The blue brand could use an experienced name in the mid-card scene. Moreover, Trick Williams is looking for new challengers for the United States Championship after a strong start to his reign.

That could open the door for Sheamus. The veteran has always thrived in hard-hitting matches, and a feud with Williams would give him an immediate direction. It would also be a fresh matchup, as the two stars have never shared the ring in a major program.

#2. CM Punk

CM Punk has not appeared on television since the RAW after WrestleMania 42. The Best in the World lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns at The Show of Shows.

Since then, there have been several rumors about his status. However, recent reports have suggested that his absence is not due to a lack of creative plans. Moreover, Punk’s presence on the SummerSlam promotional material has only fueled speculation about an eventual return.

When The Second City Saint comes back, RAW’s main event scene seems like the most likely destination. Punk was one of the brand’s top stars before his absence, and there are already several potential stories waiting for him. Roman Reigns is still the World Heavyweight Champion, while the King of the Ring winner will also be in line for a major opportunity.

#1. Former Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre has not appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Jacob Fatu in an Unsanctioned Match. His absence is reportedly due to filming commitments for the upcoming Highlander reboot in Scotland.

However, when McIntyre returns, the company already has a ready-made direction for him. Cody Rhodes is currently the Undisputed WWE Champion. At the same time, Gunther and Sami Zayn are both pursuing the title and have been involved in the championship picture on SmackDown.

McIntyre could easily join that group. After all, he was the Undisputed WWE Champion earlier this year before losing the title back to Rhodes. The Scotsman could enter the title picture again and make it even more chaotic than it is.