WWE SmackDown has a variety of stars on their roster, but there are several prominent names currently away due to injury or other reasons.

In the coming months, there could be several returns to the blue brand that will make an immediate impact.

From former champions to rising stars, these names will bolster the ranks on Friday nights moving forward.

Here are three potential returns to WWE SmackDown coming soon.

Jordynne Grace

There has been a lot of talk surrounding Jordynne Grace as of late.

The former TNA Knockouts World Champion has been absent from WWE television over the past few months.

Grace is someone who made an immediate impact upon getting called up to the main roster, but has not been featured consistently with new reports indicating that there are no creative plans for her as of right now.

With more discussions going on about her status, it feels like WWE will be forced to bring Grace back into the fold on Friday Night SmackDown before long.

Elton Prince

In early 2026, Kit Wilson started to break out as a singles star and go viral thanks to his new theme song and presentation.

While he is known for his work in the Pretty Deadly tag team with Elton Prince, it felt like Wilson could establish himself as a singles star.

This eventually led to a partnership with The Miz where the duo have mostly been highlighted in their rivalry with Danhausen.

Having been on the sidelines with a serious neck injury for well over a year, Elton Prince could join Wilson and Miz on SmackDown soon enough.

Rhea Ripley

Following WWE Clash In Italy 2026, it was revealed that WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley had suffered a torn meniscus injury.

Since then, Ripley has been sidelined and a new Interim WWE Women Champion was crowned.

In Ripley’s absence, Chelsea Green became the interim champion and has proven herself as formidable titleholder.

With the need for an undisputed champion to be crowned and 2026 coming to an end, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Rhea Ripley make her return to SmackDown before the year is out.

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SP3 joined the WrestleTalk team as a feature writer in 2021. Known from his Tru Heel Heat Wrestling YouTube channel and co-host of Alex McCarthy's Wrestling Daily, SP3 brings his views and outlooks on professional wrestling in written form here. A long-time fan of WWE, WCW, ECW, NJPW, IMPACT and now AEW, SP3 will offer a wide range of features expressing his love affair with the business.