Wrestling Returns In 2024

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• Whether it be injury, free agency, or another reason, it is always interesting to see what happens when a professional wrestler decides to go next after being gone for a prolonged amount of time. It can provide an opportunity to explore different avenues in their careers. However, while some decide to step back into the ring, others decide that it is time for them to explore other routes in their lives. Below are five wrestlers who have a chance at being back in the ring. In contrast, there are also five who have a very low likelihood of stepping back into professional wrestling.

Returns in professional wrestling are often among the most exciting aspects of the business from a fan perspective, while they can also create something completely fresh for a wrestler as well if they're able to return and bring something fresh to the business. That has happened countless times over the years, which has created some incredible moments.

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2024 will no doubt be another year when some returns take place, some of which are unexpected and others that people will anticipate. However, not every wrestler will return to the ring, even though the opportunity might be there for them to do so, as lots of people are looking to focus on new challenges.

UPDATE: 2024/03/06 17:30 EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA

Whether it be injury, free agency, or another reason, it is always interesting to see what happens when a professional wrestler decides to go next after being gone for a prolonged amount of time. It can provide an opportunity to explore different avenues in their careers. However, while some decide to step back into the ring, others decide that it is time for them to explore other routes in their lives. Below are five wrestlers who have a chance at being back in the ring. In contrast, there are also five who have a very low likelihood of stepping back into professional wrestling.

Will Return: Don't Ever Doubt The Devil

MJF Could Be Back On Television By The Summer

There have been very few that have captured the hearts and minds of fans, as former AEW World Champion MJF has. He had a tremendous run as World Champion, which was primarily highlighted by his storyline with Adam Cole. Together, they held the ROH World Tag Team Championships. However, just when MJF was at the top, it was all questioned once it was known how injured he was. Since AEW Worlds End where he lost the AEW World Title to Samoa Joe and was turned on by Cole, he has been out of action.

It remains to be seen what MJF does when he returns to professional wrestling. It is estimated that he could return by early summer 2024, so it is almost certain that fans will get to see him back in a professional wrestling ring again.

Won't Return: The World's Largest Retirement Could Take Place

Paul Wight's In-Ring Days Might Be Numbered

Ever since Paul Wight joined AEW he has struggled to get any momentum going inside the ring, despite his best efforts and insistence that he isn't retired. Toward the end of 2023, he returned once more to compete in a street fight against The Don Callis Family, but it was clear he was struggling with his fitness.

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Wight was extremely limited in what he could do, and another surgery was rumored for his future. With that in mind, it is hard to believe he will continue wrestling in 2024, and while he might return to television to do something else, his in-ring days could be over.

Will Return: The Cleaner Has Unfinished Business In AEW

Kenny Omega Could Return After He Heals From Injury

Kenny Omega has consistently been one of the best professional wrestlers in the world for a decade now. He is a former AEW World Champion, AEW Trios World Champion, and AEW World Tag Team Champion. He has accomplished a tremendous amount.

However, Omega has also dealt with numerous injuries throughout his AEW run. He was gone for months throughout 2021-2022 nursing a number of injuries. Currently, he is out with diverticulitis. However, he did have surgery to address the issue. Fans would love to see him back in AEW once he is 100%.

Won't Return: A Former NXT Women's Champion Has Moved On

Mandy Rose Is Too Successful Outside The Ring

Mandy Rose being let go by WWE was something that nobody saw coming due to how well she was performing at the time. Rose had climbed to the top of the women's division in NXT and was dominating as champion, with most fans expecting her to be called up and not fired.

However, Rose has continued to find incredible success with her modeling work, and because of that it is hard to imagine her getting back into the ring to take bumps again.

Will Return: The Power Of Positivity

Big E Could Shock The World

Ever since breaking his neck, the future of Big E has been very much up in the air. Things have been quiet regarding his future, and that could be positive or negative. However, people remain to believe in him and that could lead to the former WWE Champion returning.

If he can be cleared, there's no doubt WWE will get him back into the ring immediately. 2024 is a make-or-break year for him in many ways, because if it doesn't happen it's likely it will be retirement, which is why fans want to see him back.

Won't Return: Don't Expect The Glass To Smash

Steve Austin Won't Wrestle Again

Steve Austin competing against Kevin Owens was an amazing moment, but one that has also got fans speculating over the potential of him wrestling again down the line. That has been intensified since CM Punk returned to WWE as that has opened up the possibility of a real dream match happening.

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However, it is hard to see the Texas Rattlesnake coming back for yet another match after having a perfect retirement bout against KO. There's nothing left for him to achieve, and while he might pop up for nostalgic appearances, it's hard to imagine him making a real return.

Will Return: A Former Divas Champion Makes Her Mark

There Are Lots Of Dream Matches Left For AJ Lee

When AJ Lee retired a lot of people were surprised because she was still young, and since then she's stayed out of the ring. However, with CM Punk now back in WWE it feels like there's an opening for her to make a return to the ring for another storyline.

Women's wrestling has grown to such a different level in her absence, and adding her star power and quality to the modern product is something people want to see. It's also something Lee deserves for the impact she had in getting the division there to begin with.

Won't Return: You Can't See Him

John Cena Could Take A Year Off

Fans got to see a lot more of John Cena than they could have ever anticipated in 2023 as he ended up putting together a part-time run that lasted several months. That was down to the Hollywood writer's strike, and full credit belongs to Cena for swapping what could have been a break for another WWE run.

However, with the movie industry booming and now essentially playing catch up, 2024 could end up being a very busy year for him. Cena will likely be very busy because of that. Therefore, it could be a year without him being involved.

Will Return: Who's Next?

Goldberg Would Like A Retirement Match

Goldberg has always been a popular act, and even though he's not the most technically gifted wrestler his powerhouse, smash-mouth style still holds up to this day. Throughout his final appearances in WWE, he was still able to entertain, and that is why people still call for him to return.

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Goldberg has made it clear that he would like to have a retirement match at some point, therefore the idea that he could return to the ring isn't out of the question. Tony Khan has been open about wanting to work with him as well, so a major return could be on the cards.

Won't Return: 2024 Won't Be Rowdy

Ronda Rousey Has Another Goal

Ronda Rousey brought an end to her WWE career in 2023, and despite appearing for ROH at the end of the year, that doesn't mean she's going to get back into the ring again. It feels like that itch has been scratched for Rousey after two successful periods working in the industry.

She's admitted that her current focus is on extending her family and becoming a mother for a second time, so if that is the goal, it seems very unlikely that Rousey will be returning this year.