What are shortest & longest timelines for WWE return?

These two Superstars have a very unique record to their names!

While there are multiple rising stars that come into WWE and create a name for themselves, few rise to the top to become household names and cement their place on the roster. On the other hand, few either struggle or suffer hardship connecting with the audience.

To maintain the highest quality talent pool, the Stamford-based promotion occasionally promotes and releases talent. However, there are some stars who are released only for the promotion to realize their worth and bring them back; others voluntarily leave the promotion, only to return when the call comes.

Here we will take a look at such two stars who have etched their names in the history books, one has the shortest return timeline to the promotion after being released, while the other has the longest.

Shortest timeline for WWE return

Fan favorite veteran R-Truth holds this record as he was recently released from the promotion on June 01. Truth himself shared the news via his social media, but the fan outcry was so severe that the promotion had to bring him back.

The pro-wrestling erupted after finding out that he was unexpectedly released from the WWE. What followed was fans during the live broadcast as well on social media, rallying for his return, chanting “WE WANT TRUTH” repeatedly since his departure.

The same chants were heard during the 2025 edition of Money in the Bank. However, fans were in for a surprise as a masked man in a hoodie appeared and attacked John Cena during the main event. The man then removed his mask to reveal himself.

Fans at the Intuit Dome erupted at the sight of Truth’s return, the quick turnaround edged Truth’s name as he now holds the shortest time, which is seven days since his release and eventual return. He made his WWE return in just seven days.

Longest timeline for WWE return

‘The Second City Saint’ CM Punk holds this distinction as in stark contrast to R-Truth, Punk left the promotion on his own terms, announcing his retirement. However, as we all know, the Second City Saint came out of retirement after a short stint in MMA.

Punk initially joined the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021, officially coming out of retirement, but his time in the Jacksonville-based promotion ended quickly, which kicked off the rumors of him making his decade-long-awaited return to WWE.

At the conclusion of Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 in Chicago, CM Punk’s music hit, and the Chicago crowd erupted as their wishes came true. The Second City Saint made his way down the entrance ramp after ten years.

Punk has since realized his dream of headlining WrestleMania as he battled Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 41 (Saturday). Similar to Truth, the WWE fans always shower Punk with love and admiration, acknowledging the legend for his contributions.

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