The speculation surrounding the brand split led many fans to believe that several former WWE stars would be returning to add depth and quality to the rosters and even though nobody appeared during the draft rumors and reports are continuing on various sites claiming that those stars will indeed be coming back in the near future.
Not having them appear on the draft episode makes sense as they wouldn't have been eligible to be picked, but using the story that the GM's need to fill their respective brands following the draft is an easy and simple way to bring back some former stars, so let's take a look at just a few of the names being speculated upon.
Who could be returning?
Rhyno: The Man Beast has made his return to NXT recently and had his first match back against Samoa Joe this week, but it appears his time in the developmental brand will only be short term as he is set to be moving up to the main roster. PWInsider.com have reported that the former ECW star is set to move to the blue brand of SmackDown and whilst he wouldn't likely be the main focus of the show he would be a strong addition as he can still work to a high level and his last run with NXT was beneficial to many stars, especially Baron Corbin.
Curt Hawkins: Another name that PWInsider have reported to be headed SmackDown's way is the former Edgehead, Curt Hawkins. This would be an interesting decision because he is best known for his tag team work with Zack Ryder and he could easily reform that team, but Ryder's other tag partner, Mojo Rawley was drafted to SmackDown. The WWE could potentially play a feud based on this angle as it seems unlikely Hawkins would just return as a singles star and it also seems unlikely Rawley will work as a singles wrestler either.
Jinder Mahal: According to reports on NoDQ.com the former 3MB member has been in talks about potentially returning to the company which is interesting as he was recently in talks with TNA about joining that company but it never happened. Mahal had potential when he first arrived but after being stuck in a feud with the Great Khali he was never allowed a great start. If he returns he could be used in a strong mid-card role but according to the report, the two parties haven't spoken in several weeks which could put some doubt on this return.
Tommy Dreamer: Another former ECW star is expected to be making a return to the WWE at some point in the near future. There was speculation he was in talks about a return to the company last week and he himself revealed on the Wrestling Reality podcast that he was meant to be in the draft which is a clear sign that he will be making a return.
MVP: The former United States Champion was once a major member of SmackDown and was hailed as the show's highest paid superstar, a gimmick that worked brilliantly. According to a report on Wrestling News.co, MVP has signed a deal to return to the company, something that fans have been hoping for since he left due to his ability. MVP still has several years that he can give at the highest level and this return would be a wise one for the company.
Shelton Benjamin: In the same report as the MVP news it was claimed that Shelton Benjamin has also agreed a deal to return to the company. Benjamin is one of the most underrated workers in the history of the WWE as he is one of the best athletes that the company has ever had and a return would be a great decision and something that WWE fans would be happy to see.
Melina: It isn't just male talent's that the WWE are interested in as according to Wrestling News.co the company has reached out to Melina as they look to develop their women's roster to go along with the big push they are trying to give. However, Melina has not yet agreed a deal with the WWE and therefore it is unlikely she will return.
There are several other talents that have been rumored to return and there could be plenty of surprises around the corner for fans in what is an exciting time for the product. Every deal is subject to a medical by the company and there is no confirmation for returns to actually take place but one look at each roster makes it clearly obvious that they need to be boosted and this is the best way to do that.