Six Stars Who Could Return at WWE NXT Great American Bash 2026

WWE NXT is set to make history on June 28 when it hosts The Great American Bash 2026 as the brand’s first-ever premium live event on The CW Network. With a stacked card already in place, the show also presents a natural opportunity for some notable returns — and there are at least six names worth watching heading into the event.

At the top of that list is Ilja Dragunov. The former NXT and NXT UK Champion had a strong run on the main roster that included a memorable United States Championship reign toward the end of 2025, but he has not been featured consistently on SmackDown since losing the title. Given the legacy he built in NXT, a return to the brand — in the mold of Finn Balor’s second-run — could put him right back into the main event picture.

Elio LeFleur, who captured the NXT Speed Men’s Championship shortly after his debut and was widely regarded as one of the brand’s fastest-rising talents, has been sidelined with a torn labrum suffered at an NXT live event. The Great American Bash could serve as the ideal stage for his comeback.

Adriana Rizzo has been out since August 2025 after tearing her ACL and meniscus. A prominent member of The D’Angelo Family before her injury, Rizzo would be returning to a changed landscape — one where she may now need to establish herself as a singles star.

Los Garza — Angel and Berto — are another intriguing option. The duo hasn’t consistently received TV time despite being one of the more underutilized tag teams on the roster. Adding some additional context: on the June 20 edition of AAA on FOX, a reformed Los Perros Del Mal faction debuted featuring Karmen Petrovic, Angel, Berto, Daga, and Bronco Nima. With Nima a regular presence in NXT through O.T.M., that faction’s formation in Mexico could have ripple effects on the NXT tag division.

Wendy Choo is another name to monitor. After winning the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship in an eight-woman Gauntlet Match on the April 15 edition of Evolve, Choo arrives with new momentum and a refreshed character. A crossover appearance at Great American Bash could open doors for her in the NXT women’s division.

Finally, Josh Briggs — one of the most tenured talents on the NXT roster since his debut in 2021 — last appeared on WWE TV at the April 27 Main Event taping. Following a stretch of losses, a return to NXT at Great American Bash would allow the imposing big man to re-enter the conversation on the brand.

NXT Great American Bash 2026 takes place June 28 on The CW Network, and the show’s historic nature makes it a fitting backdrop for any or all of these potential comebacks.