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In this listicle, we will look at four absent WWE stars who could return as a part of a faction.


#4. Omos

Omos has been absent from WWE programming for over two years. He last competed in the 2024 Andre the Giant Tournament. While he is not appearing in the global juggernaut, The Nigerian Giant is currently active in AAA. Recently, the seven-foot giant defeated Chris Carter, Daimo, and Kingoo in a three-on-one handicap match.

That said, there is a perfect spot on SmackDown for Omos if he were to return. Trick Williams and Lil Yachty have formed a fruitful partnership on the blue brand. Given the duo’s outspoken nature, having a powerhouse like Omos around would add an entertaining dynamic to it.

Williams is the reigning United States Champion, and the crowd loves him. Yachty has also been a regular part of the programming for months. Adding The Nigerian Giant to the mix could make the duo even more entertaining. WWE could choose this direction for Omos upon his comeback.

Moreover, it would give The Nigerian Giant a clear direction after such a long absence. Rather than returning on his own, he could align himself with Williams and become an important part of one of SmackDown’s most prominent acts.


#3. CM Punk

CM Punk has been absent since the RAW after WrestleMania 42. While fans expect him to return on his own, WWE could take a different approach. Punk could shock everyone by joining The Vision. The faction currently revolves around Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bron Breakker.

However, Logan is still recovering from a torn triceps, while Bronson Reed remains sidelined with an injury. As a result, Theory and Breakker are the only active members of the group.

Punk would instantly change that. Moreover, there is already a connection through Paul Heyman. The two men have a long history together, and WWE could easily explain that they reconciled their differences behind the scenes.

The move would also create new opportunities for Punk. Most notably, it could reignite his rivalry with Seth Rollins. The two have already had several issues in the past, but The Second City Saint joining The Vision, a faction that Rollins originally created, would add a completely different and fresh dynamic to the feud.


#2. Sheamus

Sheamus could return to WWE television as part of Alpha Academy. The Celtic Warrior has been absent since November after suffering a serious shoulder injury. While he has recently resumed training, WWE has yet to reveal when he will return to action.

When he does come back, Alpha Academy could be an interesting fit. Otis and Akira Tozawa are currently on their own and lack a clear direction on RAW. Adding a veteran like Sheamus would immediately give the group more credibility and purpose.

The former WWE Champion would also fit the faction’s current babyface role. Together, they could form a workhorse faction that regularly competes in RAW’s midcard scene.

More importantly, it would give Sheamus something meaningful to do after a lengthy absence. Instead of returning as a singles act, he could help strengthen an existing group while establishing himself on RAW again.


#1. WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella

Nikki Bella could return and join a faction, but perhaps not the one fans expect. The WWE Hall of Famer has been absent since suffering an ankle injury ahead of WrestleMania 42. Since then, many fans have assumed that she would eventually reunite with Brie Bella and align herself with Paige.

However, WWE could take a different route. Instead of joining her sister, Nikki could turn heel and align herself with The Judgment Day. The faction has gone through several changes over the years and is always looking to strengthen its ranks.

Moreover, The Judgment Day could benefit from adding a veteran star with her level of experience and popularity. Nikki’s presence would immediately bring more attention to the group while giving her a fresh role upon returning.

It would certainly be an unexpected move. Most fans would be looking for Nikki to reunite with Brie. Joining The Judgment Day instead would catch the audience off guard and instantly make her return one of the biggest talking points on RAW.