A TAKE ON "THE BIG WOMEN'S WRESTLING RETURNS" (2025 to early 2026)

 

Mid-2025 through early 2026 has seen a massive "Divas Era" resurgence in WWE and significant shifts across AEW and TNA. 

WWE: The Return of the Icons

WWE focused heavily on nostalgia and high-profile returns for its major 2025 events and the start of 2026.

• AJ Lee: After nearly a decade away, AJ Lee made a "thunderous" return on the September 5, 2025, episode of SmackDown to confront Becky Lynch.
• Nikki & Brie Bella: Nikki Bella returned to the ring in the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble. Brie Bella followed a year later, returning at the 2026 Royal Rumble.
• Alexa Bliss: After an extended maternity leave, Bliss officially returned to action at the 2025 Royal Rumble.
• Trish Stratus: Returned specifically for the Evolution II premium live event in mid-2025.
• The IInspiration (The IIconics): Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay were reported to have returned at Evolution II for their first WWE appearance in five years. 

AEW: International & Roster Reshuffling

AEW focused on bringing back established stars from injury and international excursions.

• Hikaru Shida: Announced her full-time return to the U.S. and AEW in October 2025 after an 11-month absence.
• Mercedes Moné: Solidified her return to a regular schedule, winning the AEW Women’s World Title in early 2025 and main-eventing several major shows throughout the year.
• Penelope Ford: Returned to form a significant new tag team with Megan Bayne, who was a breakout star in late 2025. 

TNA & The Indies: New Signings & Comebacks

TNA has seen a mix of veteran returns and indie breakouts reclaiming their spots.

• Lana (CJ Perry): Announced her formal return to professional wrestling in January 2026.
• Elayna Black (Cora Jade): After being released by WWE in 2025, she returned to TNA in early 2026 as a new "Knockout" signed by Daria Rae.
• Allie Katch: On the independent scene, Katch made a high-profile return from a major injury in January 2026, describing it as a "renewed sense of purpose".
• Indi Hartwell: Following her WWE release in 2025, Hartwell returned to the scene by debuting for TNA, recently competing for the Knockouts Tag Titles. 
• Mickie James: The "Hardcore Country" Return 
  • The Moment: After The Elegance Brand (Heather and M by Elegance) retained the Knockouts Tag Team Titles against Indi Hartwell and Xia Brookside, their post-match celebration was interrupted by the legendary "Hardcore Country" theme.
  • The Action: Mickie hit the ring and immediately targeted Ash by Elegance, who had interfered in the match earlier. Mickie took down Ash with a Thesz press, though Ash managed to escape before Mickie could land her signature jumping DDT.
  • Context: This was Mickie's first appearance in the TNA ring since her Hall of Fame induction in October 2025. Her last competitive match in TNA was back in 2023, though she has been active on the independent scene, currently holding the ABC Women's Championship.