Wrestling is unlike any other business. Whilst many careers head towards a wilful retirement, WWE Superstars are not happy to hang up their boots.
Over the years, it's become clear that retirement in WWE is just another word for a break until the star is rested and the company needs them once again. Even injuries doesn't make retirement official since both Daniel Bryan and Edge, in recent years, have returned after a long absence.
This means there are several former stars and legends who could be eyeing 2022 as their comeback year either for one more match, or a second chance.
The following list looks at just five potential in-ring returns we could see in WWE next year.
#5. The Baddest Woman On The Planet, Ronda Rousey could return to WWE
Ronda Rousey had a short run in WWE that ended at WrestleMania 35 when the former UFC Champion was defeated in the first-ever all-female main event.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet was able to win the RAW Women's Championship as part of her short stint in the company, and was part of a high-profile feud with Becky Lynch.
At WrestleMania, The Man became the first person in WWE to pin Rousey which opens the door of a potential feud when Rousey makes her long-awaited return.
The former star announced she was leaving the company in order to start a family. Both Lynch and Rousey announced pregnancies in the years that have followed, but Lynch has since returned.
Rousey is due to welcome her daughter later this month, which would give the star plenty of time to recover if WWE was hoping for Rousey to be part of a show like SummerSlam 2022.
Lynch was able to make her return following the birth of her daughter after just eight months, so there is a small possibility that Rousey could recover in time to make her long-overdue return to WWE in 2022.
#4. WWE Hall of Famer D-von Dudley
D-Von Dudley is one name that has become synonymous with tag team wrestling in WWE throughout the course of his career.
His career came to an end in 2016 when Dudley accepted a backstage role as a producer in WWE. Alongside his long-time teammate Bubba Ray, D-Von was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame two years later and has since been on hiatus from in-ring competition.
Dudley announced his official retirement from in-ring competition in 2020, but it appears the former Tag Team Champion could be targeting a comeback next year.
"I do plan on coming out of retirement now. I’m willing to get back in the ring and do it again. I didn’t think I would, but I think I am.
"I think after going through what I went through and now back on the road to recovery, doing what I’m doing, like, I’m just trying to be strong, my trainers trying to get myself back to where I need to be, dropping all sorts of weight. I think I’ll be ready."
D-Von went on to note as part of the same episode of Table Talk that he'd love to be part of next year's Royal Rumble match. This would be an interesting way for the legend to kick off his final in-ring run with WWE.
#3. Current WWE commentator Corey Graves
Corey Graves began his career in WWE as an active performer. After several injuries whilst working as part of NXT, Graves was forced to hang up his wrestling boots before being handed a new lease on life.
Behind the announce desk, Graves has brought a new perspective to the world of wrestling and has become a popular voice within the WWE Universe.
Graves was forced to retire due to issues with concussions but, after 14 years of doing what he loves, it's been a hard adjustment for the former NXT Tag Team Champion.
Several superstars who have struggled with similar issues, including Daniel Bryan and Christian, have returned to the ring in recent years which has given Graves hope.
The former star took to Twitter to note that he wasn't currently doing what he was put on earth to do, which could all change if Graves was able to find a way to be cleared by WWE in the coming years.
#2. Former WWE Divas Champion Paige
Paige was once seen as the future of WWE's Women's Division, but her career has been derailed by injuries. The star was forced to retire in 2018 and has since had several roles which have allowed her to remain on-screen without wrestling.
Paige comes from a wrestling family and has had to adapt to a new way of life in recent years. The former Divas Champion has been a manager and host as part of WWE Backstage but, given the fact that both Edge and Daniel Bryan have returned to the ring, this could have given Paige hope.
Paige's current WWE contract expires in 2022. If the inaugural NXT Women's Champion wants to make one final impression before she walks away from the company, then next year would be the time to do it.
The Women's Division is the best it has ever been and Paige could easily have a show-stealing match with any of the current female performers.
#1. WWE Hall of Famers The Bella Twins
Nikki and Brie Bella changed the face of female wrestling in WWE. The two women were the driving force behind the Women's Revolution, and have since been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The Bella Twins retired from in-ring competition and welcomed children in recent years, but the former stars have remained vocal about the fact that they are open to returning.
The former champions noted on social media, and in recent interviews, that they would love to return to capture the Women's Tag Team Championships.
The former stars are easily one of the most famous female tag teams and are hoping to one day make their in-ring return to hold the Championships for the first time.
Given that Nikki and Brie welcomed children last year, 2022 would be a good year for the two to make their returns.