Jon Moxley, better known to WWE fans as Dean Ambrose, was a prominent WWE superstar. But during the latter part of his career in the company, he had evidently become tired of the creative direction the WWE took for his character under Vince McMahon.

His frustration with those at the helm of affairs in the company is evident from the remarks he made towards McMahon during an interview with Chris Jericho on his podcast, ‘Talk is Jericho,’ where Ambrose shared:

We are Diet Coke and Mentos, vince and I, and it was ever apparent.

With no end to his misery in sight, Ambrose left WWE when his contract ran out in 2019. But WWE has mended ways with several such superstars who left the company frustrated with the creative direction. In light of the manner in which Ambrose left, here are 3 recent high-profile returns that give us hope that Dean Ambrose might make a WWE return as well.

3 I Lee

The most recent example of why anything is possible in the world of professional wrestling. AJ Lee left WWE in April 2015 after the company released a statement to that effect following her high-stakes clash at WrestleMania 31. at that time, permanent damage to her cervical spine was the reason behind his sudden retirement and subsequent WWE exit.

For more than a decade, Lee remained out of the ring, focusing on other things in life, including her past struggles with mental health. But when Becky Lynch attacked her husband at Clash in Pariseveryone knew that this was it. AJ Lee’s return was kind of inevitable by that point.

## Dean Ambrose Will Return to WWE and these 3 Recent Returns Make Me Hopeful

Dean Ambrose, known for his unpredictable nature and captivating in-ring presence, left the WWE in 2019, shocking the wrestling world. He went on to find success in AEW as Jon Moxley, showcasing a darker, more intense side of his character. However, the wrestling landscape is ever-changing, and recent events have sparked hope among fans that “The Lunatic Fringe” might one day return to the company he helped build.

The idea of Dean Ambrose returning to WWE isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed. Several high-profile returns in recent years have demonstrated that bridges can be rebuilt, and that the allure of the WWE stage can be too strong to resist. Here are three recent returns that fuel the hope for Ambrose’s comeback:

3 CM Punk

CM Punk’s journey back to WWE is perhaps the most compelling parallel to a potential Dean Ambrose return. Punk left WWE in 2014 under acrimonious circumstances, famously voicing his frustrations with the company’s management and creative direction. He publicly criticized the medical staff, stating, “I went to them and said, ‘I think I have a concussion,’ and they said, ‘You don’t have a concussion.’ I said, ‘I think I need to get this checked out,’ and they said, ‘You’re good to go.’ I went and got a second opinion, and I had a concussion. Plus, I have this concussion, and I’ve needed time off for at least a year, and you won’t give it to me. So, I just kind of laughed at that.”

CM Punk tried several other things, including a brief run in the MMA, writing for Marvel Comics, and even commentating.But wrestling was what he did best, and that is why he made a return to the squared circle at AEW rampage: The First Dance in 2021 in his hometown of Chicago.

The WWE universe wanted him back to where he truly belonged ever since he went back to wrestling from that moment on. The sudden,unplanned chants from the crowd,reinstating his name,became a tradition of sorts in the WWE.

The moment everyone was waiting for came during Survivor Series: WarGames in 2023. In what is now one of the most iconic moments of modern-day wrestling, the Second City Saint returned and has not looked back ever since.

The writing on the wall is thus clear: if CM Punk can,why can’t Dean Ambrose make a stunning return to the WWE?

1 Brock Lesnar

Dean Ambrose’s Return to WWE Feels Inevitable

The wrestling world exploded at SummerSlam 2025 when Brock Lesnar attacked John Cena with a thunderous F5 that shocked the WWE universe.

But another return has fans buzzing: Dean Ambrose. And it’s more than just wishful thinking. Recent events within WWE demonstrate the company’s willingness to bring back popular stars, even after significant time away. This makes Ambrose’s potential return feel increasingly likely.

Let’s look at three recent examples that fuel this hope.

1. Brock Lesnar’s Surprise Appearance

Brock Lesnar’s attack on John Cena was entirely unexpected. For months, Lesnar hadn’t been featured prominently, leading many to believe he was largely done with WWE. Yet,there he was,delivering a brutal F5. This proves WWE isn’t afraid to shock audiences with returns they haven’t heavily advertised.

Later on, it was revealed that WWE legal cleared him a few weeks before his return, establishing the fact that the company can go above and beyond to include one of thier own when it has to.

2. CM Punk’s Return and Subsequent Success

CM Punk’s return was arguably the biggest wrestling comeback in years. After a seven-year absence filled with public disputes, Punk rejoined WWE and immediately became a major player. He even headlined WrestleMania. This demonstrates WWE’s willingness to overcome past issues for a valuable talent.

Punk’s situation wasn’t simple. It required significant negotiation and a willingness to move forward. The fact that WWE made it happen sets a powerful precedent.

3. Randy Orton’s Recovery and Return

Randy Orton’s injury was severe, and his future in wrestling was uncertain.Though, he worked diligently on his recovery and made a triumphant return to the ring. WWE supported him throughout the process, showcasing their commitment to their performers’ well-being and their desire to see them succeed.

Orton’s return wasn’t just a feel-good moment; it was a significant boost to the Raw roster. It showed fans that WWE values long-term investment in it’s stars.

Why This Matters for Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose effectively is neither involved in any major controversy nor has he breached the terms of his previous WWE contract, so a return for the former United States Champion is very much possible.He’s a talented performer with a dedicated fanbase.