Former WWE Superstar Set For SHOCK Return?!

Ex-WWE star may be returning for the first time in years.

Erick Rowan
WWE.com

Erick Rowan could be on his way back to WWE after pulling out of an independent booking due to "new contractual obligations."

Canada's East Coast Pro Wrestling posted (via Facebook) on Saturday that Rowan's new contractual situation would prevent him from appearing at the company's Coal Town Carnage shows this coming weekend, amongst other events:

We have just received word this evening from Erick Rowan that unfortunately he will not be able to make his scheduled appearance next week at Coal Town Carnage. Erick stated that new contractual obligations are preventing him from making several dates including ours. This is the first time in ECPW history that one of our scheduled stars cancelled and it is out of our control.

The situation sparked immediate speculation of a WWE return for the former Wyatt Family man, who, according to PWInsider, was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last week. The Steel City is home to the location WWE uses to conduct wrestler medical tests ahead of clearing them to perform.

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Rowan had not publically commented on the situation at the time of publishing.

The 42-year-old has been out of WWE since April 2020, when he was amongst the company's mass releases at the COVID-19 pandemic's onset. He has since wrestled for rival promotion AEW several times, first appearing on 30 December 2020's Brodie Lee: A Celebration of Life show, following the tragic passing of his long-time tag team partner.

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WWE is currently teasing a return for Bo Dallas' Uncle Howdy character on television and other platforms. Given Rowan's affiliation with Dallas' late brother, Bray Wyatt, current speculation points to the two situations being connected.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.