WWE News: Former Friday Night SmackDown Champion Returning to Company (Report)

One former WWE champion on the Friday Night SmackDown brand has reportedly signed a deal to return to the company.

The WWE SmackDown arena in front of a packed crowd during a match. / (via WWE)

(Image via WWE)

WWE has brought back a former titleholder if one report is to be believed.

Free agency continues to be a big talking point in the wrestling business. WWE certainly has been busy signing talents and while the company didn't snag the likes of Will Ospreay, significant moves have been made. One of those big acquisitions has been Japanese female star Giulia, who is reportedly making her way to WWE NXT this spring.

Now, a former two-time Friday Night SmackDown tag team champion is on his way back to WWE.

RETURNING WWE SUPERSTAR REPORTEDLY CONSIDERED SHOCKING RETIREMENT DUE TO INJURY

Erick Rowan Returning to WWE

Erick Rowan playing mind games with Cesaro during a match on WWE TV. / (via WWE)

PWInsider is reporting that Erick Rowan, formerly of The Wyatt Family, will be returning to WWE. Rowan had been with the company dating back to 2011 when he performed under the Florida Championship Wrestling developmental territory. Rowan captured the NXT Tag Team Championship with the late Luke Harper, and he won the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice.

Rowan was released from WWE in April 2020 as a result of a slew of budget cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of WWE, Rowan had been known as "Erick Redbeard." He made appearances for AEW, including a run-in during a match paying tribute to Harper, known as Brodie Lee. He also appeared on the August 25, 2023 episode of WWE SmackDown, which was a tribute show to Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk.

The news of Erick Rowan signing a new deal with WWE may not come as a surprise to hardcore fans. Last month, East Coast Wrestling revealed that Rowan had been removed from one of their events due to "new contractual obligations."

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