Four stars who could return on WWE Raw (November 17, 2025)

This week’s Raw might feature multiple returns.

The upcoming November 17 episode of Monday Night Raw is set to air live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Multiple big names, including John Cena, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Jey Uso, are advertised for the show. 

The show will also feature John Cena’s final Raw appearance as he looks to wrap up his farewell tour. The promotion has announced multiple matches and segments for the show, including two more first-round matches in the tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent.

The show is highly anticipated by fans, as it will be a major factor in setting the stage for Survivor Series: WarGames. Fans are expecting multiple returns this week, and here we take a look at the top four stars who might return at MSG.

4. Gunther

‘The Ring General’ Gunther has been absent from WWE programming since losing the World Heavyweight title against CM Punk during the 2025 edition of SummerSlam. He was expected to return during John Cena’s Final match tournament, and it has been confirmed by the WWE.

Among the two first-round matches announced for this week’s Raw in the tournament, one of the features Gunther, who is set to face NXT’s Je’Von Evans, with the winner advancing in the tournament. Earlier reports have suggested Gunther winning the tournament and facing Cena; it remains to be seen if the plans have changed or if Gunther will win the tournament.

Also Read: WWE RAW (November 17, 2025): Preview, match card, news, timings & telecast details

3. AJ Lee

AJ Lee has been absent from WWE programming since Wrestlepalooza, and there are reports still pointing to her making a return to join Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Alexa Bliss. Notably, Charlotte Flair walked out of the team due to the involvement of Ripley in the team. While the other team only needs to find one more teammate, Ripley and Co. have to find two teammates before the PLE.

Reports also suggest Becky Lynch, joining the heel team, which likely means Lee’s return during Lynch’s Women’s IC title defense against Maxxine Dupri this Monday. Dupri might also end up joining the babyface team, but nothing is concrete as of yet, and WWE could change plans anytime before the PLE.

2. Brock Lesnar

‘The Beast Incarnate’ Brock Lesnar is also set to partake in the WarGames match on the Vision side, per reports. Lesnar’s last appearance came during Wrestlepalooza, and while he is on a part-time schedule with the company, he could make his return to aid his long-time friend Paul Heyman complete the team for WarGames.

WWE might have saved his return for this week’s show at MSG to make it more impactful and generate a bigger reaction from the crowd.

1. Roman Reigns

‘The OTC’ Roman Reigns is advertised for the final PLE, Survivor Series, and while there are reports of backstage concerns over putting Reigns and Cody Rhodes in the same team.

WWE might have changed its plans regarding the WarGames match, but it is still unlikely that Reigns will not partake in one of the ‘Big Five’ PLEs of WWE. It remains to be seen what the promotion has planned for the OTC if he makes his highly anticipated return at MSG.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.