WWE Star Makes Huge Comeback After 1,167 Days — Returns But Falls Short in First Match Back

A familiar face has finally returned to WWE after a massive 1,167-day absence, marking one of the longest comebacks in recent WWE history. The surprise return took place on WWE NXT, where the returning star stepped into the ring for the first time in over three years — only to fall short in her comeback bout.

This moment not only delighted long-time fans but also sparked fresh excitement around WWE’s women’s division heading into the 2026 season.

Long Absence, Long-Awaited Return

The returning competitor had last been seen in WWE on June 23, 2022, wrestling on the now-hiatus NXT UK brand. She initially made her debut in WWE back in 2018 by competing in the Mae Young Classic tournament, where she drew attention with her athleticism, even though she was eliminated in the first round.

After NXT UK went on hiatus, she was released along with several other talents and eventually went on to compete in other promotions — most notably Stardom in Japan and TNA Wrestling — where she continued to refine her in-ring skills.

The Return Match: NXT Comes Alive

Two weeks ago on WWE NXT, it was announced that the NXT Speed Championship tournament was underway — a new storyline designed to crown a challenger for the title at the upcoming NXT No Mercy event. Among the competitors revealed for the first-round matches was the returning star.

That announcement alone generated significant buzz, as fans recognized her name and remembered her WWE beginnings.

When the match finally took place, she gave an impressive performance, showing flashes of the athleticism that originally caught WWE’s eye. However, she ultimately came up short, losing in the first round to Candice LeRae, who will advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Candice LeRae’s victory sets up a continued rivalry in the Speed Championship picture, with the victor moving on to challenge Sol Ruca later in the tournament.

A Story of Resilience and Growth

What makes this return notable isn’t just the lengthy absence. It’s the journey that brought her back to WWE:

• Developed Significant Experience Abroad — Her time in Stardom and TNA allowed her to evolve her style and expand her fanbase.

• Maintained In-Ring Credibility — Despite being away from WWE, her return was more than a nostalgia moment; it was an attempt to stake a claim in a competitive new NXT landscape.

• Connected with Long-Time Fans — Fans of the original Mae Young Classic era responded strongly to her WWE re-entrance.

Even in defeat, her performance reignited interest in her long-term potential within WWE.

What This Means for WWE’s Women’s Division

Her return — and the fact that she was placed directly into tournament action — signals WWE’s intent to add depth and excitement to the women’s roster heading into 2026. The NXT Speed Championship tournament is already shaping up to be a focal point on the road to bigger events like Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 42.

With names like Candice LeRae, Lainey Reid, and Faby Apache also competing, NXT’s women’s scene is becoming increasingly competitive and unpredictable. The Speed Title chase adds a new dynamic to WWE’s evolving landscape — one that may elevate both returning stars and rising talents alike.

Looking Ahead

Even though she didn’t win her comeback match, the returning star’s appearance opens several intriguing possibilities:

• Future Tournament Matches — Her involvement could continue even after the Speed Title bracket concludes.

• Storyline Development with Candice LeRae — A rivalry could deepen if she crosses paths with LeRae again.

• Main Roster Call-Ups — With stronger momentum, a move to WWE Raw or SmackDown remains an option in 2026, especially for WrestleMania storylines.

No matter what comes next, her return after such a long absence is a reminder of how unpredictable and exciting WWE’s evolving landscape can be.