WWE 2K17: 10 Superstars Who Could Return To The Franchise

Now that WWE's draft has taken place and the new Era's of both RAW and SmackDown are in full swing, the powers that be seem to have suddenly realised that both show's rosters need filling out.

Tuesday night's SmackDown Live saw the unexpected return to the main roster for NXT's resident glorified jobber Rhyno, while former Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin's return was also announced. Just last night on Raw, Jinder Mahal showed up and fought former 3MB stablemate Heat Slater.

With those three the only confirmed returnees at the time of writing, there are sure to be a number of other familiar faces making their big comebacks in the coming weeks.

This, of course, means that these superstars should be making their respective returns to WWE's virtual universe as well after a number titles away. The only issue, it would seem, is time. Do the developers at 2K have enough time to scan the returning stars and include them in a title that comes out in less than three months from now?

Last year's game would suggest they don't as the Four Horsewomen of Sasha Banks, Bayley, Charlotte and Becky Lynch were all omitted despite being mainstays in NXT during the scanning period, which took place around WrestleMania 31. Although, saying that, Samoa Joe's inclusion in the Future Stars DLC pack does give us hope.

As well as Rhyno, Mahal and Benjamin, here are 10 further stars who could return to a WWE game in 2K17...

Curt Hawkins is one of the more unexpected names who has been linked with a return to WWE's main roster. Reportedly headed for SmackDown on Tuesday nights, it's likely the former Edgehead will fulfil a similar role to that he left behind in 2014 as a solid hand who can be relied upon to be at just about every show.

Don't expect him to be winning an endless string of championships under Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan, expect him to be used as an enhancement talent with name value to put over the contenders for belts.

Since leaving WWE, Hawkins, under his real name Brian Myers, has built a solid reputation on the independent scene as well as turning out for the likes of GFW, TNA and the popular YouTube show 'Grim's Toy Show' as a special attraction. He's used the exposure WWE gave him over a seven year stint very well. He also runs a wrestling school.

His return to WWE's ring is all but confirmed, which could mean a return to the company's virtual squad circle for the first time since being an unlockable in SmackDown Vs. RAW 2009. Did talks between Hawkins and WWE start early enough for 2K to get him scanned and included in the game? We'll have to wait and see on that one.